The mass electronic mailings also create computer problems for users and Internet service providers. They overload servers. Spam has become a major problem for Internet service providers. The mass mailings, sometimes to as many as 1 million computers, have created technical problems that have temporarily shut down Internet providers and angered computer users. America Online earlier this month sued in federal court in Virginia to stop three companies from spamming its subscribers.
Civil libertarians are wary of attempts to control Internet activity of any kind.
And computer activists are split, with Cherlin's group leading a national movement to outlaw spam with others looking for a less-harsh way of dealing with the problem. The spam ban is part of lawmakers' attempt to keep Washington laws at pace with technology. Unsolicited commercial faxes have been illegal for several years. Another bill introduced this year, House Bill 2441, would add e-mail or other electronic communications to the types of things that could be considered harassment and stalking. The spam bill also fits in with attempts to outlaw things that annoy constituents.