JOINT STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF ANTI-SPAM LEGISLATION

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Departments of Justice and Commerce applaud Congress for passing anti-spam legislation. The Administration believes the legislation will be a useful step in helping consumers and businesses to combat unsolicited commercial e-mail, better known as 'spam.'

The costs of spam to U.S. businesses are estimated to be $9 billion annually. The Administration recognizes that problems with spam cannot be solved by federal legislation alone; the development and adoption of new technologies will also be necessary.

Nonetheless, the legislation will help address the problems associated with the rapid growth and abuse of spam by establishing a framework of technological, administrative, civil, and criminal tools, and by providing consumers with options to reduce the volume of unwanted e-mail."

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