New measures aimed at tacking the growing problem of unsolicited emails, or spam, across the European Union were formally signed into law today.
Companies could now face fines of up to €3,000 per message, according to the new legislation making it illegal for any European-based organisation to send spam to the general public.
The European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services Data Protection and Privacy) Regulations also cover the right of subscribers to determine what personal data concerning themselves is included in directories.
It also curtails mobile phone companies from providing data for the provision of value added services to third parties without the consent of a subscriber.
Despite the introduction of the new legislation however, computer users are unlikely to notice a dramatic reduction in the level of spam they receive.
It will not apply to people sending messages from the US, Africa and Asia - where the vast majority of spam originates.
