Spam
Also known as: junk mail
Spam is a collective term for unsolicited messages, usually via e-mail. The terms spam and unsolicited e-mail are therefore often used interchangeably. In general, spam has a commercial character. The fact that e-mails can be sent virtually for free has led to this medium being widely misused to spread commercial messages on a large scale.
Spam filters are programs that can distinguish regular messages from spam to some extent. Thanks to spam filters, the nuisance caused by spam has slowly diminished somewhat in recent years. Many Internet service providers automatically filter their customers' mail for spam.
In Dutch telecom law, sending unsolicited e-mail has been classified as punishable for several years. Regulator ACM ( formerly OPTA) can impose fines of up to €450,000 on spammers for sending e-mail without explicit permission through a double opt-in.
