Free anti-spam policy: cover

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Anti-spam policy
1.

Introduction

1.1

In the context of electronic messaging, "spam" means [unsolicited, bulk or

indiscriminate messages, typically sent for a commercial purpose].

1.2

We have a zero-tolerance spam policy.

2.

Credit

2.1

This document was created using a template from SEQ Legal

(http://www.seqlegal.com).

You must retain the above credit, unless you purchase a licence to use this
document without the credit. You can purchase a licence at: http://www.websitecontracts.co.uk/seqlegal-licences.html. Warning: use of this document without the
credit, or without purchasing a licence, is an infringement of copyright.
3.

Spam filtering

3.1

Our messaging systems automatically scan all incoming [email and other]
messages and filter out messages that appear to be spam.

3.2

We may also report incoming email as spam. This can result in IP addresses
and domain names being blacklisted.

4.

Spam filtering issues

4.1

No message filtering system is 100% accurate, and from time to time

legitimate messages will be filtered out by our systems.

4.2

If you believe that a legitimate message you have sent has been filtered out
by our systems, please advise the message recipient by another means.

4.3

You can reduce the risk of a message being caught by the spam filters by:
(a)

sending the message in plain text (instead of, or in addition to, HTML);

(b)

removing any message attachments;

(c)

avoiding the terminology and text styling typically used by spammers;

and/or

(d)

ensuring that your messages are scanned for malware before dispatch.

5.

User spam

5.1

We provide a facility that enables users to send [email messages] OR [private

messages] OR [[message type(s)]] to others.

5.2

Users must not use our messaging facility or any of our other services to
store, copy, send, relay or distribute spam.

5.3

Full provisions concerning the use of our messaging facility are set out in [our
website terms and conditions of use].

6.

Receipt of unwanted messages from us

6.1

In the unlikely event that you receive any message from us or sent using our
systems that may be considered to be spam, please contact us using the
details below and the matter will be investigated.

7.

Variation

7.1

We may amend this policy at any time by publishing a new version on our
website.

8.

Our details

8.1

This website is owned and operated by [name].

8.2

Our principal place of business is at [address].

8.3

You can contact us:

(a)

[by post, using the postal address [given above]];

(b)

[using our website contact form];

(c)

[by telephone, on [the contact number published on our website from

time to time]]; or

(d)

[by email, using [the email address published on our website from time
to time]].

[additional list items]

Free anti-spam policy: drafting notes

In this document, a website or service operator may set out its policies in relation
to unwanted commercial communications, commonly known as spam.
Whilst spam filters, whitelists / blacklists and other technical measures are the most
important anti-spam tools, a formal anti-spam policy can also help, demonstrating
that the operator takes spam issues seriously.
This policy document opens with a defamation of spam, and an assertion that the
operator does not tolerate spam. It covers the operator's own spam filtering and
reporting systems, the improper use of messaging facilities by users, and the
sending of commercial messages by the operator.
Section 1: Introduction
Section 1.1

What is "spam" for the purposes of this document?

Section 2: Credit
Optional element. Although you need to retain the SEQ Legal credit, you should
remove the inline copyright warning from this document before use.
Section 3: Spam filtering
Optional element.
Section 3.1

What types of messages are automatically scanned and filtered for spam?

Section 4: Spam filtering issues

Optional element.
Section 5: User spam
Optional element.
Section 5.1

What types of messaging services are available to users, but potentially

vulnerable to misuse by spammers? Email messages, private messages, or

some other kind of message?
Specify here the type or types of message that may be vulnerable to
spammers.

Section 5.3

Which document governs the use of the messaging facility generally?

Section 6: Receipt of unwanted messages from us

Optional element.
Section 6.1
You should consider setting up an "abuse@" email address for spam reporting.
Section 7: Variation
Optional element.
Section 8: Our details
Optional element.
Section 8.1

What is the name of the company, partnership, individual or other legal

person or entity that owns and operates the website?

Section 8.2
Optional element.

Where is the relevant person's head office or principal place of business?

Section 8.3
Optional element.

By what means may the relevant person be contacted?

Where is the relevant person's postal address published?
Either specify a telephone number or give details of where the relevant

number may be found.

Either specify an email address or give details of where the relevant email
address may be found.