The CAN-SPAM Act: Real Reform or Political Pork?

Anti-spam legislation at the federal level is coming, perhaps before the next presidential election. Earlier this year, Senators Conrad Burns (Republican, MT) and Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) introduced the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003. Thanks in part to the endorsement of the Direct Marketing Association, this bill quickly became the frontrunner and recently won approval in the Senate by a margin of 97 to 0.

Now just a House vote and a presidential signature away from becoming law, the CAN-SPAM Act merits some scrutiny by the online marketing industry to figure out where we might be headed and whether the end of spam is in sight.

Definitions: What Does It All Mean?

Definitions provide insight into the intent of the legislature, but what happens when the definitions themselves leave much to the imagination? Let's explore a few potential problem spots.

1. Affirmative Consent

Up until now, those of us in the online marketing industry have used the terms “permission” or “opt-in” to describe the process by which people join legitimate email lists.

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Neil Squillante founded and manages LandingPage Interactive, an online marketing agency in New York City that helps companies generate leads, sales and referrals. Prior to his online marketing career, Neil practiced law at Willkie Farr & Gallagher in New York City. Contact him at njs@peerviews.com.