KEY POINTS:
Internet NZ is seeking feedback on the internet Service Providers Spam Code of Practice which it hopes will determine the process for regulating industry anti-spam measures in New Zealand.
The paper outlines a number of measures ISPs can undertake to support the Unsolicited Electronic Messages Act 2007 which aims to reduce locally-generated spam. Most of the measures are already being used by the industry, which due to its small size, can react fairly quickly to complaints about spam. The draft code's suggestions include:
- Ensuring co-operation and communication with the authorities ie: the Department of Internal Affairs, which will be enforcing the anti-spam legislation.
- Having internet providers make spam filtering software available to their customers.
- Make sure internet providers move to immediately shut down open relays and open proxies that could be used to send out spam email messages.
- ISPs should hold onto the IP (internet protocol) address details of its customers for at least 28 days to help in any investigations.
- Informing customers how they should report spam.
- Having a complaints process that includes contacting the offending party.
As internet NZ says: "The ISP Spam Code of Practice recognises that Service Providers can assist in the minimisation of Spam through their technical approach, by being a first port of call for information and complaints from internet users, and by working with law enforcement agencies."
With most spam coming from hard to trace locations overseas, the code and the legislation will likely have a minimal impact on reducing spam, which is currently at record levels everywhere in the world. Still, the eradication of spam relies on those countries where the spam is originating from, implementing similar measures, so we must lead by example and show we're policing our own internet community.
