[ale] Slam SPAM

[Jim Popovitch]

>From the AP....


                  Slam Spam Act Passes Georgia Senate

ATLANTA (AP) _ The Senate approved an effort to crack down on Internet
``spam'' e-mails today, despite complaints the plan would do little to
stem the flow of junk computer messages. The measure, backed by Governor
Perdue, was overwhelmingly approved, 50-to-3. But Democrats in the
Republican-dominated chamber argued it won't have much impact. Democrat
Senator David Adelman of Decatur said -- quote -- ``This is just for
show. I hate spam, but let's make it clear to the people of Georgia than
when we pass this spam law, it's not going to reduce spam in Georgia one
iota.'' He argued that most spam comes from outside the state and often
outside the country. The Georgia Slam Spam E-Mail Act would charge
spammers with a felony if they send more than ten-thousand false or
misleading messages in one day, generate large amounts of money from
spam, or use minors to help them transmit the e-mails. The bill also
outlines misdemeanor charges for lesser violations. Criminal penalties
for felonies under Perdue's plan include up to five years in prison and
a 50-thousand-dollar fine. The misdemeanor charge would include up to a
one-thousand-dollar fine and one year in prison. It also would allow
Internet companies to sue people who use their service for spam. Most
the proposed law covers spam that originates in Georgia, but there are
some provisions for working with authorities in other states.

-Jim P.