[LINK] Questions about SMS Spam

[Adam Todd]

>The reply-to number is non-functional - so users can't respond. I really

Wouldn't that be considered "Fraud" ??

>a) sending the promotional message as an SMS asking me to ring a number or
>send an e-mail to say "yes" probably undermines the campaign itself; and
>b) having a non-functional reply-to address - classic spam technique - means
>no easy opt-out for customers.

Of course ...

>Questions:
>1) Is there anything intrinsic to SMS technology that makes opt-out
>difficult?

Actually OPT-IN would be harder!  You have to code EVERY single message 
uniquely with a destination address!

As they are mostly WAP enabled, can't they just create an OPT-IN 
list!  Select the ones you want to be in, and turn the rest off ... or an 
override command to disable all SMS.  *I* hate SMS.

>2) Does the coming privacy legislation impact "existing customer"
>campaigning in any way?

Not really.  Only if they provide the details to another company.

But the solution to the "new" privacy legislation is simple.

I set up a business and build a database. I tell the "consumer" they will 
receive email, postal whatever from me from time to time.  I set up 
DISTRIBUTION deals with companies that want to target my customers and the 
companies PAY me to send the advertising to the consumer, because I hold 
the key to the data.  I'm using the data legally because I told the 
consumer they would receive details.

So expect SPAM to become a BIGGER revenue raising product of companies with 
databases.