|
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) is applying the “Guidelines for Sending Special E-mail, etc.” (hereinafter, “Guidelines”), which it decided on in November 2008 with the goal of suitably adjusting the transmission of special e-mail, etc.
The “Working Group for Study of How to Deal with Unsolicited E-mail” has been established in the “Research Society Examining ICT Service Problems based on End User Opinions” since September 2010, and a “Proposal concerning How to Deal with Unsolicited E-mail” was compiled in July 2011. This proposed the specification of easy and convenient opt-out methods, etc. and points to be considered in revision of the Guidelines, etc. to ensure suitable application of the Law, and based on this proposal, etc. there has now been drafted a plan for reform of these Guidelines.
Accordingly, opinions on this reform plan will be sought from July 22 (Fri) to August 22 (Mon), 2011.
1. Main points of reform
The main points of reform in these Guidelines are as follows.
(1) Addition of examples of inappropriate acquisition of consent
Specification of inappropriate acquisition of consent, etc., such as cases when acquiring consent where it may be written that “advertising/publicity e-mails will be sent from related websites” yet the term “related sites” does not enable the other party's notification of consent to be specified.
(2) Addition of desirable methods for prevention of erroneous consent
Specification of desirability of display of end-user's advertising/publicity e-mail transmission consent status on final confirmation screen in order to prevent erroneous consent due to end-user's failure to notice written instructions concerning advertising/publicity e-mail transmission.
(3) Addition of recommendation for double opt-in when changing e-mail addresses, etc.
Specification of recommendation for double opt-in when changing e-mail addresses, etc., from perspective of preventing consent given by means of identity fraud.
(4) Addition of points to remember when adopting on by default
Specification of desirability of warning notice in location easily recognizable by end-users when on by default is adopted and checkboxes are established in places that end-users do not normally browse.
(5) Addition of examples of easy and convenient opt-outs
Specification of schemes as examples of easy and convenient opt-out methods, i.e. by enabling easy and convenient opt-outs with opt-out screens displayed after clicking URLs published in the body of advertisement/publicity e-mails for opt-out notification.
(6) Addition of specific screen examples
Addition of examples of desirable consent acquisition screens, etc. to promote end-users' understanding of the Guidelines.
2. Outline of appeal for opinions
(1) Subject of appeal
・Plan for Partial Reform of Guidelines for Sending Special E-mail, etc.
Please note that the reform plan will be published in the “Reports and documents” section of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) website (http://www.soumu.go.jp) as well as in the “Public comment” area of the e-Gov coordinated electronic government contact website (http://www.e-gov.go.jp), and will also be distributed via the contact address listed at the end of this document.
(2) Submission deadline
Must arrive by 17:00 on August 22 (Mon), 2011
(Mailed submissions must bear a postmark of no later than this date.)
3. Schedule
Based on the opinions submitted, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) will revise these Guidelines and subsequently make an official announcement.
+++++++++++++++
For further information about this press release, please fill in the inquiry form and submit it to MIC on the website
http://www.soumu.go.jp/joho_tsusin/eng/contact.html
International Policy Division,
Global ICT Strategy Bureau, MIC
TEL: +81 3 5253 5374 / FAX: +81 3 5253 5924 |
