[LINK] Spam filters = censorship by default?

[jeff.evans at iird.vic.gov.au]

Reading recent editions of the excellent Research Buzz newsletter, eg.
<http://www.researchbuzz.com/news/2002/nov14nov2002.shtml> and seeing how
author Tara Calishain has been forced to censor her words because of her
list's recipient's spam filter software, eg "now the N*tional Library of
Scotland (name slightly altered as the first word apparently trips sp*m
filters) " it seems to me that this trend will either see us:
a) invent a constantly evolving series of synonyms to keep ahead of the
filters or,
b) like Tara, resort to  Pig Latin  "Words that might get ResearchBuzz
filtered by an overzealous filter will be written in Pig Latin from now on.
eefray! ooway! owzayay!) ..."
<http://www.researchbuzz.com/news/2002/sep12sep1802.shtml>
c) be forced to develop even more obscure jargon-ridden communication than
ever.

Do any Linkers have reason to believe that one day we'll be able to avoid
self-censorship of this type?  Can Spam filters one day become redundant?
Will "white" and "black" listing of addresses work? Will software Agents
ever be able to cope with sophistication needed to parse our confusing
language?

Regards

Jeff Evans
Manager, Business Channel (acting)
Business Information Services
Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development
Victoria, Australia

http://www.business.channel.vic.gov.au
http://www.businessaccess.vic.gov.au
http://www.export.vic.gov.au
http://www.ecommerce.vic.gov.au



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