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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?"

4 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. 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...

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    Making stupid comments so you don't have to.
  3. 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 :^)

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    You are in a maze of twisted little posts, all alike.
  4. 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?

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    'SBEMAIL!' is better than a goat!!