Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

FTC Wants Secret Spam Investigation Powers

Posted by simoniker on from the spam-tapping-shock dept.

PingXao writes "Amidst the various anti-spam efforts underway in Washington, the FTC surprised lawmakers by saying they need to be able to secretly investigate the worst-offending spammers, according to a Washington Post article. I'm generally against government secrecy, but quietly investigating spammers isn't as bad as secret courts and arrests. Is this acceptable, or another mis-step down the slippery slope?"

12 of 264 comments (clear)

  1. well that's all well and good... by sweeney37 · · Score: 5, Funny

    let's just hope they don't put the spammers on "Double Secret Probation"

    Mike

  2. how about... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Funny

    they secretly investiage the losers who try to get first post?

  3. A little irony anyone? by dragoncortez · · Score: 5, Funny
    FTC commissioner Orson Swindle told the lawmakers that spam "has become the weapon of choice for those engaged in fraud and deception."

    I wonder if he got that job just on the basis of his name...

    --
    Making stupid comments so you don't have to.
    1. Re:A little irony anyone? by fidget42 · · Score: 3, Funny

      I wonder if he got that job just on the basis of his name...

      No, I don't think the previous FTC commissioner was named Orson, too.

      --
      The dogcow says "Moof!"
  4. I know a better authority! by Dark+Lord+Seth · · Score: 2, Funny

    The US military!

    Spam viagra to people? Expect a B52 carpet bombing your estate into something which resembles the lunar surface. Selling CDs with email adresses? Say hello to your new friend, Mr Daisy Cutter. Running spam servers or operating an ISP which turns a blind eye toward spammers? Duck and cover! Don't forget the iodine!

    --
    Hate me!
  5. Re:another mis-step down the slippery slope by ePhil_One · · Score: 5, Funny
    The FTC is not a secret government agency. We know its there.

    The NSA is a secretive government agency, but it too is not secret (though they like to pretend)

    A secret government agency is like the one SciFi's Invisible man worked for, their budget hidden in the Dept of Fish & Wildlife's budget.

    I could name a real secret government agency, but then I'd have to kill you :^)

    --
    You are in a maze of twisted little posts, all alike.
  6. Too slippery by mao+che+minh · · Score: 3, Funny
    Nope, it's too slippery of a slope. Though spammers are highly annoying and wreak actual financial loss, their actions are largely legal. Therefore, like it or not, the bastards are entitled to all of their rights under the law.

    If we let them do it to spammers, who will be next? P2P file sharers? Oh wait....

  7. Yep by md81544 · · Score: 2, Funny

    I'm comfortable with this... in fact I'm hoping this is what the alleged death chamber at Guantanamo Bay is earmarked for.

  8. Hellllllo...how can we help you? by djupedal · · Score: 2, Funny

    ring....ring.....

    Hello...this is Anxious Arnie's Aircraft Painting and Renovation Service. Arnie speaking. How can we help you today?

    Hi....thanks...this is um....Bob, from the FTC. Do you guys paint...say...helicopters?

    Why yes, we do. In fact we have a special running this month. One free with every six orders. How many helicopters do you have and what color did you want?

    We have ten helicopters and we want them painted all black.

    Oh...I see. Well, we're all out of black right now, sorry...the new Homeland Security Department just had us do a dozen choppers for them. Paint's still wet, as a matter of fact. If you can wait a week, we can do them for you then.

    Ok, I understand...let me check with my boss and someone will call you right back, thanks! [click...bzzzzzz]

  9. Re:Secretly investigate? by DustMagnet · · Score: 5, Funny

    Does sending an e-mail to "remove@hotmail.com" or whatever fake address is included in the spam count as a good faith effort for notification?

    --
    'SBEMAIL!' is better than a goat!!
  10. when you see headlines like these... by 73939133 · · Score: 2, Funny
    When you see headlines like these:



    you just know the third millenium has arrived.
  11. Re:another mis-step ... by The+Fink · · Score: 2, Funny
    it's like cutting your leg to save your finger...
    ~chop of axe through femur~ ~blood-curdling scream~
    "There, isn't that better? I mean, at least you can't feel your finger any more..."