A Guide to Understanding Electronic Spam

What is Spam?

Electronic Spam is defined as a digital, electronic instrument that is considered to be criminal in nature involving the unsolicited transmission of electronic communication with the intent to defraud its recipients, or victims, through the utilization of misrepresentation. Although electronic Spam exists in a wide range of settings, the use of Electronic Spam is considered to exist within the illegal and unlawful sales, solicitation, and marketing within the Commercial industry.

Electronic Spam undertakes a methodology in which the unauthorized entry onto personal property or private domain is implemented. In accordance with privacy laws and the constantly-evolving Cyber Laws, a charge of the disbursement of Electronic Spam may result in convictions ranging from harassment to online trespassing.

The Origin of the Name ‘Spam’

Although no uniform reasoning for its title exists, a multitude of individuals consider the title of ‘Spam’ to have derived from the acronym of ‘Stupid, Pointless, Annoying Messages’. However, additional classifications for the origin exist.

Types of Electronic Spam

Electronic Spam, which utilizes unlawful marketing and sales efforts, involves the mass-disbursement of unsolicited information and correspondence. The implied effectiveness of Electronic Spam is to rely on sheer numbers and probability. The provision of unsolicited correspondence to as many eligible recipients as possible is considered to be the primary methodology of Electronic Spam.

Electronic Spam through E-Mail and Correspondence

The disbursement of correspondence-based marketing activity with regard to recipients who have neither requested such information nor have inquired about it is considered to be a form of both trespassing, as well as solicitation within the tenets of Cyber Law. Furthermore, many instances of E-mail-based electronic Spam may carry with them additional charges of online harassment and the violation of privacy law as stated within the Constitution of the United States.

Electronic Spam through Individual User Networks

Electronic Spam disbursed through individual user networks is a nature of illegal and unethical solicitation-based marketing methodology that presents advertisements on individual computer terminals. ‘Network Spam’ exists within a multitude of activities:

‘Pop-up’ online advertisements: Defined as the unlawful placement of tracking programs that implement the inundation of individual computer users with consistent flooding of correspondence through fraudulent Internet ‘chats’ and online-based dialogue.

Electronic Spam utilizing ‘Spyware’: Occurs through the unlawful placement of intrusive computer programs unlawfully inputted into the computer terminals belonging to individual users. This type of program monitors the behavior of the individual user, oftentimes tailoring the nature of the Spam in accordance with the browsing history undertaken.

Reporting Electronic Spam


In the event that an individual has been made the victim of the receipt of Electronic Spam, they are encouraged to contact the Federal Trade Commission. The Federal Trade Commission is a Federal institution mandated by the United States Government responsible for the maintenance, protection, and regulation of commercial activity undertaken within the commercial marketplace. The Federal Trade Commission can be reached through their toll-free telephone number: (202) 326-2222. Reporting electronic Spam violations can be conducted in an anonymous fashion.

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