Can-Spam Act Not Yet Effective, Study Asserts

DENVER – Only one in six pornographic unsolicited emails complied with a new Federal Trade Commission rule regarding the labeling of pornographic spam, according to network security firm MX Logic.

The Denver-based company said that the FTC rule, which went into effect May 19, has been flouted.

The law requires all unsolicited email with sexually oriented content to bear the label "SEXUALLY-EXPLICIT" in the subject line.

"Fighting spam is an enormous challenge – one that requires a multi-pronged solution,” MX Logic spokesman Scott Chasin told XBiz. “In addition to enforceable anti-spam laws, winning the war on spam will require the continued deployment of robust email defense technology.”

Chasin also said it would take meaningful industry cooperation and the empowerment of users to stop spam and other email threats.

MX Logic scanned a sampling of 12,000 pornographic messages during the first seven days the FTC began requiring the label and found that only 15.3 percent of the porn spam was properly labeled.

The Can-Spam Act (Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing) requires that unsolicited commercial email senders ensure that the "from" line clearly reflects the sender's identity; that it includes a subject line text consistent with message content; that it includes the advertiser's valid postal address; and that it contains a working opt-out mechanism as a way for the consumer to decline to receive further commercial email from the sender.

Later this month, the FTC is expected to issue a report on the advisability of creating a "Do Not Email" registry, much like the existing "Do Not Call" registry for telemarketing.

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Ofcom Investigates Pornhub's Device-Based UK Age Checks

U.K. media regulator Ofcom has opened an investigation to determine whether Pornhub parent company Aylo’s use of device-based age verification complies with the U.K.’s Online Safety Act.

'Studio Vanniall' Launches Through PAYSITE

Vanniall's official website StudioVanniall.com has launched through PAYSITE.

France Weighs Ban on Purchase of 'Remote' Sexual Services

The French National Assembly is considering a proposal to criminalize the purchase, and/or facilitation by online platforms, of sexual services performed remotely by streamers and custom content creators.

YourVids Launches Customizable Subscription Feature for Creators

YourVids has rolled out YourFans, a service that allows creators to design customizable subscription tiers, from which they receive 100% of the revenue.

Jennifer White Launches Official Site, Debuts 1st Release

Reigning XMAs Female Performer of the Year Jennifer White has launched her new website, JenniferWhite.com, and announced the upcoming release of the first feature-length title from her new production company.

Adult Game Fest Announces Nominees for Inaugural Awards Show

Organizers of the inaugural Adult Game Fest virtual trade show have announced the nominees for their inaugural awards ceremony, taking place Saturday, Sept. 26, at 5 p.m. (PDT).

Byborg Enterprises Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Byborg Enterprises has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

XBIZ 2027 Hotel Room Booking Now Open

Hotel booking is now open for XBIZ 2027, giving attendees the opportunity to secure their stay at the host venue, JW Marriott L.A. Live.

FSC Case Against Tennessee AV Law Can Go Forward, Court Rules

A U.S. district court on Tuesday denied the Tennessee attorney general’s motion to dismiss a Free Speech Coalition lawsuit challenging the Protect Tennessee Minors Act.

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches for July, August

AEBN has published the top search terms for July and August from its straight and gay theaters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Show More