What is everyone’s opinion of H.R. 3402, which as part of its content, includes a provision to prohibit anonymous “annoying” messages on the Internet?
On January 5, President Bush signed into law a “prohibition on posting annoying Web messages or sending annoying e-mail messages without disclosing your true identity.” In other words, it’s only okay to flame someone on an Internet message board or via email if you disclose your real name.
This provision is “buried in the so-called Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act. Criminal penalties include stiff fines and two years in prison.”
How will this affect email marketing? Will this have a positive impact on reducing spam? Or might it impact legitimate businesses sending their established-practice marketing messages?
Already, there is already at least one lawsuit over the law.
Thoughts?
“Annoyance” is a very broad and generic term – without properly defining it – it can and will be misused when the time comes.
Not so sure if it will affect e-mail results poorly. As it is with e-mail overload, its effectiveness is constantly decreasing.