At 6:23 PM -0400 6/16/98, Dean Robb wrote:
STRONGLY recommend readers view the actual code and it's legislative history at the above URL. 18 USC 2511 introduced to US Code in Public Law 90-351, June 19, 1968. "Electronic Communications" added to section 2511 by Public Law 100-690, Nov. 18, 1988. Assertion that 18 USC 2511 "was specifically meant to apply to email" is incorrect...as initially written only oral and wire communications were covered.
But unfortunately the relevant hearings aren't online. The amendment with "electronic" language was specifically added to make these statutes apply to email. That was the purpose of the amendment. The debate is over. [you pretty much can't be more wrong on 2511: the amendment and its hearings completely resolves our debate.] I guess its an emotional topic for many, but this is the current law. Maybe you can still get the law changed regarding spam. But everyone should read it and apply it. And think about whether they are a party to the communication before they do something bad to it. MSN just has to change from "You have to take it up with the company you want to send mail to", to "you have to take it up with the company you want to send mail, and if they didn't block it, you should contact the FBI" --Dean ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Plain Aviation, Inc dean@av8.com LAN/WAN/UNIX/NT/TCPIP/DCE http://www.av8.com We Make IT Fly! (617)242-3091 x246 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++