An influential Internet standards-setting body has begun a close scrutiny of the mounting problem of e-mail spam, in an effort that could have broad-ranging implications for future e-mail use and security.

Robert Wientzen, president of the Direct Marketing Association, has an unusual view of what types of junk e-mail qualify as spam.

E-mail users seeking relief from spam - unsolicited ads, commercials and promotions that frequently fill up online mailboxes - should not count on help from Congress this year.

The Direct Marketing Association (DMA) released a summary of the spam laws in 41 countries and the European Union.

The Direct Marketing Association (DMA) yesterday urged its members to ask New York Sen. Charles Schumer to drop his proposal for a do-not-e-mail registry.

Spam, some say, has gotten so bad that it's on the verge of killing e-mail. But if the Internet sky really is falling, why doesn't someone do something?

For those serving on the front lines of the bruising battle over junk e-mail spam is also is the root of the hardball legal tactics, hacking, harassment and death threats that are the hazards of their chosen vocation.

A list of names of and bios of the top ten spammers as of summer 2003.

The problem of spam--how to get rid of it, how to track down the senders, and whether to prosecute those spammers--has dominated many discussions at the third annual Privacy and Data Security Summit here this week.

"As long as people buy the products, I'll keep sending mail, " said Ron Scelson, who is dubbed the "Cajun Spammer."