Phrase `Advertisement` Required in Spam Emails

From now on, every advertisement email (spam mail) must compulsorily contain phrases such as `advertisement`, `information`, etc. Compulsory identification labels apply to mobile phone Short Message Service, regular telephones, and faxes. Violators will be charged a fine of 5 million won.

Senders of Spam mails, who display no reply addresses or false ones to avoid request for removal, will receive criminal punishment.

The Ministry of Information and Communication (MIC) announced the overall spam mail measure, which includes the above details, on the 17th with regard to the recent upsurge of spam mail problems.

Within the first half of the year, the MIC will also amend particular laws about stimulation of information-communication usage and information protection in attempt to control spam mails.

`Advertisement`- phrase identification policy, which is currently used to specify spam mails, will be subdivided into 4 categories, including `advertisement`, `information`, `adults`, and `consent`.

In case of telephone advertisements, recipients will be able to refuse calls as there specification measures will apply at the beginning of connection.

The MIC is also planning to provide compensations to users with mental and financial damage from spam mails, after a trouble shooting committee for personal data protection reviews the case, without going through the courts.

The MIC will develop a program for personal data protection, and distribute it free of charge in the first half of the year. It will also strengthen private-level restrictions on spam mails by establishing an email improvement committee with enterprise organizations involved.

Tae-Han Kim freewill@donga.com