ARCHIVED—International Spam Measures Compared

Task Force on Spam
May 2005

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Part I: Overview of Questionnaires on Cross-Border Enforcement of Anti-Spam Laws

Part II: Succinct Comparison of Anti-Spam Laws

Part III: Analysis of the Effectiveness of Various Anti-Spam Efforts

Spam is an international problem requiring a multi-pronged, international solution. Many countries around the world have begun to address the issue of spam in various ways. By looking at the measures being used and analyzing their effectiveness, one can begin to understand what some of the best practices are in fighting spam. The precise approach taken in one country may not be easily applied in another country, due to differing governmental and law enforcement models. However, the basic elements of an effective approach to spam can be adapted to fit most models.

This paper compares the existing spam measures in 12 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries, as described in their answers to the "Questionnaire on Cross-Border Enforcement of Anti-Spam Laws" and, where possible, in other available sources, including source legislation.

The 12 countries compared are Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States. These are not the only countries to have developed spam measures, and further examination of other OECD member countries will only help in further identifying best practices. Accordingly, this analysis represents a starting point.

Part I of this report includes a brief overview of the measures that are in place to combat spam in the 12 countries.

Part II consists of a table that provides a snapshot of the various measures that can be used to fight spam. Where available, information has also been included on whether those measures are in place in each of the 12 countries. Extensive endnotes provide further explanations and details.

Part III analyzes recent information about the effectiveness of the various measures. While this is an inherently subjective exercise, efforts have been made to consult a broad range of sources and to provide some of the key conclusions that have been reached.