Legal Definitions - Other International Developments

Other countries besides the United States have created laws to prevent spam. These laws are designed to protect people from receiving unwanted emails and messages.

• Australia: The Australian Spam Act of 2003 makes it illegal to send spam in Australia. The Australian Communications and Media Authority has a website with information about spam.
• New Zealand: The Unsolicited Electronic Messages Law of 2007 makes it illegal to send spam in New Zealand. The New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs has a website with information about spam.
• Japan: The Law on Regulation of Transmission of Specified Electronic Mail of 2002 (amended in 2005 and 2008) makes it illegal to send spam in Japan.
• Hong Kong: The Unsolicited Electronic Messages Ordinance of 2007 makes it illegal to send spam in Hong Kong. The Government of Hong Kong has a website with information about spam.
• South Korea: The Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Data Protection makes it illegal to send spam in South Korea.

These examples illustrate how different countries have taken steps to protect their citizens from spam. By creating laws and providing information, these countries are helping people to avoid unwanted messages and stay safe online.