Decius wrote: ] ] we've heard confident assertions that there are really ] ] only a dozen or so "kingpins," and equally confident ] ] assertions of 200, or 1000. Frankly, I think the number ] ] is probably larger, because cases against allegedly large ] ] spammers don't seem to affect the overall volume of spam ] ] out there. If there were only a few, those cases should ] ] make a noticeable difference. Or, it could be true that ] ] there really are only 200 at any one time, but it's very ] ] easy for others spammers to enter the business. ] ] The FTC is looking at authentication systems like SPF to ] address the spam problem. They don't believe law enforcement ] can do it. I believe the FBI dude at SummerCon said that they had "quite a few" spam investigations underway and wouldn't unseal the indictments until the cases were airtight. I think a few (hundred) high-profile prosecutions and people doing hard time for this shit might make a dent. Then firewall any country that doesn't come onboard. Squeeze the spammers from 2 directions: 1. If you get caught sending spam, you will face stiff criminal penalties. 2. Fix the mail system so that its easier to catch spammers. |