Dutch telecom watchdog issues first fines against e-mail spammers
The Dutch telecommunications industry watchdog said Tuesday it has issued its first fines against spammers, including one person and two companies who sent unwanted e-mails and mobile telephone text messages. The Independent Post and Telecommunications Authority, known by its Dutch acronym Opta, also said it has signed an agreement with French privacy watchdog CNIL to exchange information on spammers. Opta has been empowered to enforce a Dutch ban on spam since May. The highest single fine _ euro45,000 (US$61,000) _ went to a person involved with four spam e-mails, including one message praising Hitler's book "Mein Kampf" that was disguised to appear as if it were sent from a Dutch anti-spam activist. The same spammer sent unwanted messages advertising financial software in cooperation with publishing company Groenendaal Uitgeverij BV, for which the company was fined euro25,000 (US$34,000). In a separate case, a company called Yellow Monday Institute sent unwanted SMS messages under the name "Purple Friday" and charged euro1.10 (US$1.50) each to people who received them. It was fined euro20,000 (US$27,000). Opta said it has received 6,000 complaints about spam and sent 14 warnings. It said it conducted two raids last year to seize addresses and equipment and planned to levy more fines in 2005.
