Security news
Security news8 March 2004
Sweden takes steps against spam
Swedish lawmakers have belatedly adopted a European Union ban on spam. The law was passed on 3 March at the 349-seat Riksdag following a warning issued by the EU to Sweden and eight other countries who had not taken steps to legislate against the spam menace last year.
The legislation aims to reduce internet fraud and protect legitimate businesses by banning companies from sending spam or stealing personal data from websites. However, the EU has not detailed how nations should act against spam.
"It's good to see the Swedish authorities taking the problem of spam more seriously," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos. "However, recent statistics have revealed that over half of all spam comes from computers based in the United States - beyond the Swedish legal system's control."
A Swedish government spokesperson said that law would be in place on 1 April.
Sophos recommends companies protect themselves with a consolidated solution which can defend businesses from the threats of both spam and viruses.
