New Moves To Hammer Spammers

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Steps to tackle the nuisance of junk email and give phone and internet users more control over how their personal details are used will come into force in December.

People who breach the new rules will face a fine of up to £5,000 in a magistrates court, or an unlimited fine if the trial is before a jury.

Communications Minister Stephen Timms said:

"Electronic communications are transforming the way we do business and the way we communicate with each other. It's crucial that people feel safe and have confidence in utilising electronic communication technologies."

The regulations will mean that from 11 December:

Unsolicited commercial email and text messages can only be sent to individual subscribers if they have agreed in advance;

Firms using cookies and other internet tracking devices will have to provide

information to users and give them a chance to opt out; and

Network operators and their partners will be able to provide subscription and

advertising services based on location and traffic data to their customers.

There is no restriction on the type of services that may be provided as long

as subscribers give their consent and are informed of the implications.

The Office of the Information Commissioner will enforce the regulations. The Government has also said it wants to extend the telephone preference service to businesses next year so they can opt out of phone marketing. The move is backed by the British Chambers of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses.