dcinternet.com: Proposed Spam Bill Would Favor Mass E-Mailers

Reps. W.J. "Billy" Tauzin (R.-La.) and F. James Sensenbrenner (R.-Wis.) are preparing to introduce junk e-mail legislation that provides a measure of consumer protection from spam but mostly favors businesses that want to continue to exploit the advertising potential of mass e-mails.

According to a draft copy of the bill obtained by The Washington Post, the bill would require e-mailers to provide accurate electronic and physical addresses, prohibit harvesting of e-mail addresses and allow consumers to opt-out of e-mail offerings.

However, the legislation, which may be introduced as early as this week, would supercede tougher state anti-spam state laws, bar consumers from suing mass e-mailers and allow companies to send e-mail to anyone who has done business with the companies within the previous three years.