The European Parliament is examining a proposal today that would allow the European Union’s 15 member states to ban the use of unsolicited commercial e-mail or spam, according to the Washington Post.
A directive tentatively adopted Monday allows member states to use either the opt-in or opt-out approach to curb the use of spam in the sale of financial services. The “opt-in” approach bans firms from sending people e-mails without first obtaining their permission.
The “opt-out” option would prohibit from sending unsolicited messages only if a consumer has signaled his or her objection through a national registry.
The legislation will leave it up the 15 EU member states to decide whether they want to ban spam.
The legislation also would bar companies doing business on the Internet from placing “cookies” on users’ computers to track their movements online, without users’ prior consent.
Member states would have between 12 and 18 months to ratify the legislation once the parliament approves it.
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