Children Spammed with Gambling and Alcoholic Drinks Emails

RR Media Inc. of Cathedral City, California and Data Stream Group Inc. of Bonita Springs, Florida are the two subjects of a legal action spawned by Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox. The duo stands accused of violating anti-spam legislation by sending unsolicited email about gambling and alcoholic drinks to underage recipients. Cox stated that the companies' actions were premeditated and that they sought to entice the children to access Websites dedicated to promoting alcoholic beverages and online gambling.

"Parents don't want their children to be bombarded with adverts for gambling and porn websites or have alcohol and tobacco pushed upon them via spam. Companies who refuse to abide by the rules regulating email communications can expect short shrift from the authorities," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos. "But spam is a problem for children around the globe, not just in Michigan, and more needs to be done to stamp it out."

For violating the Child Protection Registry Act, the two companies face financial penalties of $10,000. Under Michigan law, both RR Media Inc. and Data Stream Group Inc. were obligated to steer clear of children's emails while advertising goods and services that are illegal for children to buy.