ACA, AHTCC team up to fight spam

ACA acting chairman Bob Horton announced that the ACA has staff stationed inside the AHTCC in Canberra allowing efficient exchange of information and expertise about cyber offences with police investigators, and to work jointly on cases.

Horton said the ACA anti-spam staff will bring a mix of skills to the centre, from investigations experience through to anti-hacking skills.

Several global software companies have also agreed to help the ACA by providing technical expertise and information.

The Spam Act 2003 came into force on 10 April 2004 and prohibits the sending of unsolicited commercial electronic messages with an Australian link. The ACA is responsible for implementing and enforcing the legislation.

Horton said the Australian government and industry have a multi-layered strategy for combating spam, with five main elements -- strong legislation, technological measures, industry partnerships, education of consumers and business end-users, and international cooperation.