FTC Puts ‘Do-Not-Spam’ Registry on Hold

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Fearing that spammers would mine a “do-not-spam” registry and look for new victims, the Federal Trade Commission said Tuesday it won’t immediately create a national list.

In a study, the regulators concluded that it would be "largely powerless to identify those responsible for misusing the registry" and might generate even more unsolicited sales pitches across the Internet.

The FTC instead proposed adoption of new authentication technology that will make it more difficult to disguise the origin of unwanted e-mails. Several plans from leading technology companies are under industry consideration.

In a study released last week from network security firm MX Logic, only one in six pornographic unsolicited emails complied with the Can-Spam Act regarding the labeling of pornographic spam.

The Denver-based company said that the FTC rule, which went into effect May 19, has been flouted.

The law requires all unsolicited email with sexually oriented content to bear the label "SEXUALLY-EXPLICIT" in the subject line.

The Can-Spam Act (Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing) requires that unsolicited commercial email senders ensure that the "from" line clearly reflects the sender's identity; that it includes a subject line text consistent with message content; that it includes the advertiser's valid postal address; and that it contains a working opt-out mechanism as a way for the consumer to decline to receive further commercial email from the sender.

The FTC on Tuesday said it was obligated to consider the proposal under the Can-Spam legislation that Bush signed in December.

"A national do-not-email registry, without a system in place to authenticate the origin of email messages, would fail to reduce the burden of spam and may even increase the amount of spam received by consumers," the regulators concluded.

If new authentication plans don’t emerge, the FTC it will convene a federal advisory panel to determine whether the government could require Internet providers to adopt one.

The FTC said it was worried about security and privacy issues of children whose addresses might be added to such a list.

"A registry that identified accounts used by children, for example, could assist legitimate marketers to avoid sending inappropriate messages to children," the FTC said. "At the same time, however, the Internet's most dangerous users, including pedophiles, also could use this information to target children."

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

JustFor.fans Launches BlueSky Autoposting Feature

JustFor.fans has launched a new BlueSky autoposting feature that shares JFF posts on the social media platform.

Pineapple Support Introduces 'Sacred Rage' Support Group for Performers, Creators

Pineapple Support will host a free online support group for performers and creators, designed for individuals struggling with intense emotions and the pain often hidden behind their anger.

Kansas Attorneys Seek Plaintiffs to Sue Adult Companies Over Age Verification

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has released a statement warning that a personal injury law firm in Kansas is soliciting plaintiffs to sue adult companies over the state's age verification

Ukrainian Parliament Registers Bill to Decriminalize Porn

Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, registered a bill today to decriminalize the creation and distribution of pornography.

Cherie DeVille Guests on 'Sex Tales' Podcast

2023 XBIZ Performer of the Year Cherie DeVille is the latest guest on the "Sex Tales" podcast, hosted by Melissa Stratton and Vanniall, streaming on the company’s “Camming Life” YouTube channel.

Niki Media Acquires BritSexCash

Production studio Niki Media BV has acquired affiliate program BritSexCash.

FSC Warns of Nude Photography Site Falsely Claiming Affiliation With Organization

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) published a statement Friday warning of a nude art photography website fraudulently claiming to be associated with the industry trade organization.

MojoHost Reaffirms Commitment to Adult Industry Amid Project 2025 Implications

In the wake of Tuesday’s election and concerns about Project 2025’s potential ramifications, MojoHost President Brad Mitchell has released a statement affirming its commitment to the adult industry.

Adult Web Hosting Service 'Midnight-Host' Launches

Midnight-Host, a new web hosting service specifically for adult websites, has launched.

ASN Lifestyle Magazine Joins Pineapple Support as Media Sponsor

ASN Lifestyle Magazine has joined the ranks of over 60 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support, partnering with the organization as a media sponsor.

Show More