Gates throws weight behind anti-spam bill

Microsoft has thrown its weight behind the anti-spam legislation making its way through Congress.

As the S.877 anti-spam bill moves closer to the White House for president Bush's signature, Microsoft chairman and chief software architect Bill Gates described the legislation as a "critical component" in the fight against spam, which costs businesses millions each year.

Gates said in a statement: "Microsoft applauds both houses of Congress for their efforts to get a strong bill to the president before the end of the year.

"It will help consumers regain control of their inboxes, and support email service providers in their battle to contain the spam menace."

With this legislation to curb unsolicited email, "the spammers who deluge computer users with billions of unwanted e-mails will face significant penalties for their illegal actions", he added.

Microsoft supports the ban on falsifying the origin of email solicitations and illegally obtaining lists of email addresses.