There is a way to stop SPAM.
Why will it not be implemented? Probably because the companies that now indulge in the $US40 billion industry for anti-spam and anti-virus software would not like it to be stopped. They might go out of business or loose a lot of their business. Also because people have an incorrect belief that to stop SPAM would impact on peoples' desire to send anonymous email.
How is it stopped?
Use registered global SSL certificates on all smtp servers. This can be managed by national organisations so that the cost is about $US100 per year for organizations or individuals wishing to run a SMTP server. This will be far less than what they are paying now for anti spam etc. Organisations or users would only be granted a registered global SSL certificate after they have completed a registration process and 100 point check (used to get bank accounts).
Does this stop freedom of speech – no – People can still use redirectors and anonymizers to send anonymous email. We need to protect freedom of speech.
What does the solution presented on this page stop and how?
If SPAM is received then it is possible to track it back to the source because SMTP servers around the world will only receive email that has a valid source identifier associated with it.
If SPAM is identified the user would notify a UN based Internet anti-fraud organisation who would identify the source of the SPAM from the email message.
A suitable organisation would then take action to fine the organisation that runs the SPAM source SMTP server. The fine could be fixed or possible grow as the number of offences grows from a particular source SMTP server.
It is then up to the owners of the SMTP server to either:
a. pay the fine and do nothing, or
b. pay the fine and then ban the user that sent the SPAM
Some organizations will be happy to pay the fines so that they can permit redirectors to be used to send anonymous email and the occassional SPAM messages. But if the fine is reasonable then the organisation will be prompted to filter out the SPAM prior to it passing through their SMTP server. This is where the anti-SPAM and anti-virus providers will find new business.
The problem of SPAM, viruses,phishing and other forms of fraud will be contained and managed.
Can this be implemented: yes - it is a challenge for the UN to show leadership in stopping this form of crime.
Do you have any questions or issues with stopping SPAM? Please ask questions or post comments in the forum.
regards, Mark