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Story: Anti-spam laws may 'do more harm than good'

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This is simpler than most issue: Demand that all SMTP packets come from a valid account. This was in the original proposal for the protocol but rejected on basis of "freedom of speech".

Initially, the ISP servers may demand a reverse DNS lookup on sending host address, to "see" who is sending, and validate the sender IP address. If you then make a "HELO" on all "unknown" email addresses, and reject all "not OK" - you have eliminated the spam, and rejected no business mail. Shoudl everyone make a "HELO" it would bring the net down - so make a list of "accepted" senders.

The modification of the SMTP should not only entail the validation of senders address - and reply-to address, but should also provide room for address-list ID that identifies the site /server where the recicipient "opted in" - and is thus the sorce to go for removal.

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