2004-03-16-皮尤-The_CAN-SPAM_Act_has_not_helped_most_email_users_so_far_6页_167kb

CAN-SPAM Legislation Impact Summary

Overview

The CAN-SPAM Act, enacted in December 2003 and effective from January 1, 2004, aimed to reduce unsolicited emails by requiring identifiers like return addresses and opt-out mechanisms. However, a Pew Internet & American Life Project survey (February-March 2004) indicates limited success.

Key Findings

• Email User Distress: 86% of email users reported some level of annoyance or trouble from spam.
• Usage Reduction: 29% of email users reduced their overall email use due to spam, an increase from 25% in the previous survey.
• Trust Decline: 63% said spam made them less trusting of email, rising from 52%.
• Overall Experience: 77% found spam unpleasant and annoying, up from 70%.
• Legislation Effect: No significant decrease in spam volume for most users (53% noticed no change, 24% got more). Pornographic spam saw a slight decrease in some cases (25% getting less), but overall spam rates increased or stayed high.
• Consumer Actions:
  • 9% responded to spam offers only to find them fraudulent.
  • 5% ordered products from unsolicited emails (over 6 million people).
  • 3% shared personal information with spammers.
• Demographic Differences: Women, minorities, and younger users more likely to report issues; infrequent spam reductions among younger age groups.

Conclusion

The CAN-SPAM Act had mixed results, failing to significantly reduce spam for most users and worsening their email experiences.