CAN-SPAM HUH?

If you’re currently doing e-mail marketing and find yourself asking this question, immediately step away from the SEND button. First and foremost, you should be well versed on the topic, and be practicing according to guidelines, because the alternative can be costly.

Here’s a briefing on what you need to know:
Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act, or better knows at the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003, establishes requirements for those who send commercial e-mail, spells out penalties for spammers and companies whose products are advertised in spam if they violate the law, and gives consumers the right to ask e-mailers to stop spamming them.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, is authorized to enforce the CAN-SPAM Act. CAN-SPAM also gives the Department of Justice (DOJ) the authority to enforce its criminal sanctions. Other federal and state agencies can enforce the law against organizations under their jurisdiction, and companies that provide Internet access may sue violators, as well.

What the Law Requires
•    It bans false or misleading header information.
•    It prohibits deceptive subject lines.
•    It requires that your email give recipients an opt-out method.
•    It requires that commercial email be identified as an advertisement and include the sender’s valid physical postal address.

Penalties
Each violation is subject to fines of up to $11,000. Deceptive commercial email also is subject to laws banning false or misleading advertising.

For more detailed information visit:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/buspubs/canspam.shtm