Beating spam: Users want innovation, not legislation

Computer users overwhelmed with spam believe technology offers the best way to escape the mire of unsolicited email.

Despite pledges from law makers about a toughening of legislation to halt spammers, users remain unconvinced, with far more set on implementing new technologies to combat the problem.

A recent survey, run by silicon.com, found that 50 per cent of respondents believe technology will eventually be the spammers' undoing.

This is compared to just 35 per cent who are putting their faith in the authorities, citing new laws and legislation as the best bet for an end to spam.

Enrique Salem, CEO of anti-spam vendor Brightmail, told silicon.com: "If we are to beat the spammers then we all have to do a better job of filtering our email. If we can ensure that response rates fall far enough then the spammers will eventually be put out of business."

While only one third of email users believe tightening legislation is the way to go, governments worldwide are becoming more actively involved in the war on spam.

The findings of the silicon.com survey coincide with the announcement of a public inquiry to be launched on the matter of spam in association with the All Party Parliamentary Internet Group (APIG).

Only 15 per cent of respondents to the survey said they believe end-user education is the way forward. Although spam is a problem which has been exacerbated by a lack of end-user awareness – they often reply to it, thus confirming the email address and exposing themselves to increasing amounts - very few people seem to think end users are the problem.

A startling 60 per cent of respondents to the survey, which polled more than 1,000 email users, admitted to replying to spam email.