Fined for Mail Spamming for the First Time

Di2, internet company, was fined 3 million won for spamming to the network users by the Ministry of Information and Communication (MOIC). That was because the company was found to have sent advertising emails about information and technology education program to its subscribers three times in February and March, despite the objections of the recipients. On August 13, MOIC announced that they would reinforce the execution against spamming in the future in accordance with the modified `Act of information communication network use encouragement and information protection (Information Communication Use Encouragement Act)`, effective July 2001, issuing the first fine to the company.

Spamming technique = Spammed e-mails are characterized by being spread without the consents of the recipients. Recently, there are some advertisement businesses specializing in sending such mails.

There are some cases that are camouflaged with the titles, such as `Congratulations on your winning!` and `Here are what you have requested`. There is another technique using the `portable phone`, in which character messages arrive first and then they are connected to 700 pay phone service. In some cases, replying to the sender with complaints becomes in vain because the sender has many alias addresses. Some spam businessmen even purchase the lists of subscribers from the internet service provider, which raises concerns about releasing personal information.

Kang, Myungsoo, who works at the CQI.Com and receives about 80 emails everyday, said, ``I may spend almost all morning hours deleting unnecessary emails.``

Reporting method = If you have suffered from such advertising emails, you may report to the personal information harassment report center. For reporting, a phone call (1336) or internet (www.cyberprivacy.or.kr) can be used. MOIC issues fines to the providers who continue to spam, despite the fact that the recipients expressed their objections.

Rha, Bongha, Information Use Protection officer of MOIC, said, ``The advertising business sender should clarify its purpose, name and point of contact, a method to cancel the subscription and so on in its emails. Any violation related to such items will be reprimanded.``

freewill@donga.com