Centre considers law against spam through new legislation

THE PROPOSED MOVE IS LIKELY TO CREATE A STRONG DISINCENTIVE FOR INDIAN COMPANIES TO SEND SPAM

- Deeksha Bhardwaj

The Union government is planning to include provisions that make companies liable for unsolicited commercial email and other types of commercial electronic messages, people familiar with the matter said, in what will be the first time the country legislates against the problem of unsolicited communications or spam.

The government is studying a number of international laws for the purpose, although these have mostly been ineffective in combatting the problem due to the spammers often operating outside of jurisdictions. The move, nonetheless, is likely to create a strong disincentive for Indian companies to send spam.

"The issue of unsolicited messages has not been addressed by the IT Act. The new Digital India Bill will aim to address the issue," the official said, asking not to be named. The provisions will likely include penalties for violation, this person added.