Canadian Minister of Industry Announces Anti-Spam Task Force

On May 11, 2004, the Minister of Industry announced the formation of a Special Task Force dedicated to the issue of spam. During 2002, a plan to combat spam was developed in concert with stakeholders in the industry, such as ISPs and large corporations. The Special Task Force will now have the responsibility of implementing this plan, which calls for the use of existing and possibly new legislation, along with technical measures developed by the industry, to fight spam. This news came only days before the Prime Minister's announcement of a general election and the forthcoming dissolution of Parliament. As a result, Parliament will not likely convene again until September. Some observers therefore see the timing of the creation of the Special Task Force as reflecting an anticipation of possible criticism during the election campaign rather than from an urgent desire to enact new legislation. To view the Minister's announcement, see: http://makeashorterlink.com/?J16F62468. For the Anti-Spam Plan, visit: http://e-com.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inecic-ceac.nsf/en/h_gv00246e.html. Summary by: James Kosa