European mailer society signs spyware charter

Direct marketeers' association adopts code of good behaviour.

The Federation of European Direct and Interactive Marketing (FEDMA), a common-interest and self-regulatory body for junk mailers, cold callers and senders of unsolicited bulk email, has issued an anti-spyware code warning its members off using intrusive or deceptive technology.

FEDMA represents the direct marketing industry, covering email, post, telephone and 'direct response' marketing, and its members include marketing associations from Australia, Canada and the United States as well as countries across Europe. The new charter aims to discourage members from using spyware as part of their information-gathering and advertising campaigns.

Spyware tactics defined in the document include deceptive software installation, taking control of computers to send spam and malware, modifying browser and other settings, and hiding or otherwise becoming difficult to remove. Members offering marketing software are advised to ensure it uses proper identification and disclosure of the source of software and advertising, access to privacy policies and full opt-out or uninstallation facilities.

The text of the charter can be found (in PDF format) here.

15 December 2006

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