Web groups zero in on spammers

The net is closing in on computer spammers with the release this week of a working paper for an internet code of practice.

The code, proposed by InternetNZ, aims to build a self-regulatory environment, improve confidence in the internet, promote good industry practice and protect users from illegal and unsolicited material such as spam.

The worldwide cost of managing unwanted spam is estimated at $22 billion a year.

InternetNZ councillor David Harris said the code would formalise the actions most internet service providers were already taking.

"Because of the size and relatively small number of ISPs we have here, and the unusually good working relationship they tend to have with each other, self-policing does work pretty well."

Non-profit group InternetNZ, which administers the registry for the .nz name space and aims to "promote and protect" the web, formulated the code with the help of the Telecommunications Forum and Direct Marketers Association.

It should be adopted relatively smoothly, said Harris, but workshops over the next month would be used to iron out any issues.

"We want to be sure everybody who needs to be involved in this is involved."

The full code is expected to be formally released within two months.

The section on spam in the working paper has been left blank pending the passing of anti-spam legislation.

Harris said the threat of legal action would give the code greater strength both in New Zealand and abroad.

"It gives us the international legs to be able to co-operate with countries who need assistance where the problem really does exist."

Although little spam originates from New Zealand, Harris warned against complacency.

After Australia passed anti-spam legislation last year, junk emails originating across the Tasman dropped from about 7 per cent of the global output to almost nothing.

As Australian spammers moved overseas, the need for legislation in New Zealand intensified.

"We're putting up the 'Not welcome' sign before they get a chance to come here," Harris said.

Anti-spam legislation in the United States, known as the Can Spam Act, allows spammers to legally send one email to users. If users do not wish to receive further messages, they must opt out.

About 50 per cent of world spam originates from the United States.

Harris said "opt out" replies sent by users could be taken by spammers as evidence of a live email address, resulting in deluge of further spams.

He said New Zealand must take an "opt in" approach, making it illegal to send material unless specifically requested.

InternetNZ hopes to receive a draft of the legislation soon, so it can start finalising the code on spam.

A spokesperson for IT Minister David Cunliffe said draft legislation was being worked on and could be fitted into "the early part" of the Government's legislative programme this year.

Internet provider Xtra intercepts 60 million spam messages - 55 per cent of all email - each month.

More than 90 per cent of Xtra customers who change their email filter settings choose to delete spam before it enters the inbox.

But automatic deletion of spam can be risky.

"Businesses, in particular, have to be very careful about this," said Harris. "The last thing you want is an order for $100,000 worth of goods being misconstrued as spam and deleted."