New Zealand Releases ISP Spam Code of Practice

New Zealand's ISP community launched the ISP Spam Code of Practice on September 5, 2007 to fight spam according to rules of a self-regulatory model.

InternetNZ, ISPANZ (ISP Association of New Zealand), TCF (Telecommunications Carriers' Forum), and the Marketing Association released the ISP Spam Code of Practice on September 5, 2007. It now requires the signature of approval from the various ISPs.

A consultation with the ISPs, government and other entities having interest in the Code helped to prepare and write it down. The Code depicts the commitments of ISPs who would be required to fight spam according to rules of a self-regulatory model.

The Code lays down the best procedures and practices to deal with spam mails including the handling of spam complaints. While this is the principal component to combat spam, the Code also covers regulation, co-operation with international enforcement bodies, and spreading of awareness.

The Code was produced in line with the Unsolicited Electronic Messages Act. The working group behind it comprised of InternetNZ, the Marketing Association and TCF. The parties supplying the input were New Zealand's ISPs, government bodies and other related parties, it had also gone through a public consultation process.

The major sources of New Zealand's spam are overseas servers, which do not fall under the purview of New Zealand's legislation. Therefore, the Code might not significantly reduce the country's spam. However, it is important that New Zealand continue to legislate and act technically to contain its spam levels, said Keith Davidson, Executive Director of InternetNZ. Computerworld published this in news on September 5, 2007.

The Code enables ISPs to hold back their services to an end-user if the latter uses the service to host any service or device that allows spamming through bots, or if he assists in the distribution of spam. Services will also be suspended if there is harvesting of e-mail addresses for spamming them unsolicited messages. Similar action will be adopted for violation of the Unsolicited Electronic Messages Act 2007.

This Code represents the joint working of business organizations. Since technology and marketing go side-by-side, it is crucial to establish standards of best practice with respect to marketing communications, said Keith Norris, CEO of Marketing Association. Scoop published this on September 5, 2007.

Related article: New Zealand Releases Code To Reduce Spam

» SPAMfighter News - 9/15/2007