The proposed anti-spam law can hardly be described as such and should not be enacted in its current form, Electronic Frontiers Australia said today.

The non-profit national organisation, which represents internet users concerned with online freedoms and rights, said the bill, while banning the sending of some kinds of spam, would:

- legitimise the sending of other sorts of spam;
- ban the sending of some kinds of messages which would never be considered spam; and
- allow for special classes of senders who are authorised to send spam and do not need to provide an opt-out mechanism.

In a detailed analysis, EFA also pointed out that it would make it legal for inspectors appointed by the Australian Communications Authority and police to enter homes and search and seize computers and other possessions without a search warrant and without the consent of the person whose home was entered.

[ Read more ]