FTC Doubts 'ADV' Label Will Cut Spam

NEW YORK The Federal Trade Commission said in a report to Congress that requiring all commercial e-mail carry an “ADV” label in the subject line would not reduce spam.

As required under the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act, the FTC was required to examine a labeling requirement. In a 46-page report, the FTC said such a requirement is unlikely to help consumers or Internet service providers block unwanted commercial e-mail. It cites requirements in several states that have failed to make much of a difference.

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