Print this article | E-mail this article | Comment on this article

Kodak Photo Service Fined for Spamming

By BetaNews Staff, BetaNews

May 12, 2006, 2:04 PM

Digital photo service Kodak Imaging Network, previously known as Ofoto, has settled charges it sent nearly 2 million unsolicited e-mails without a way to opt out, a violation of the CAN-SPAM Act. The Federal Trade Commission imposed a $26,331 penalty for the infraction, which is the total of the proceeds from the e-mail campaign.

Kodak is additionally now required to keep records and report to the FTC to ensure compliance. The CAN-SPAM Act requires that e-mail marketers give an option to opt out of unsolicited e-mails. The messages must be identified as an ad and include a vaiid postal address. The law also bars misleading subject lines or header information to conceal the identity of the sender.

Add a Comment (10 Comments)

BetaNews reserves the right to remove any comment at any time for any reason. Please keep your responses appropriate and on topic. Foul language and personal attacks will not be tolerated.

By spiked

posted May 14, 2006 - 12:19 AM

OK so Kodak screwed up. That's all this was - a typical corporate screwup. Sure, it's important to punish it, but this is far from being a victory over real spammers. Kodak has invested millions in its brand names for decades; real spammers don't want you to know their names, must less their real email addresses, IP addresses, or even their country.

Wake me up if the FTC ever manages to hold a real spammer accountable and make real progress in the fight against spam.

Score: 0

By ghammer

posted May 12, 2006 - 10:54 PM

Didn't make much did they?
$26K from 2M contacts.

Score: 0

By joshv

edited May 13, 2006 - 2:51 PM

I have seen that kind of math before. Accountants are pretty sneaky. Let's see, Our 2M emails netted us $10M. But after we take out the cost of servers, personnel, internet access, strategic planning consultants, lawyer fees, the new boat, 2nd home in Maui, etc..... somehow it was only really worth $26k.

Score: 0

By bourgeoisdude

posted May 12, 2006 - 8:28 PM

Kodak spamming? Ahh...maybe my suspicions about their "Easyshare" having spyware bundled with it is not so far off target after all--

Score: 0

By joeshmoe7

edited May 15, 2006 - 3:25 PM

dude, the only point to that garbage software could only be spyware, it's so god awful i can't imagine what other purpose it could serve. I actually gave it a chance with my camera, what a nightmare.

Score: 0

By joshv

edited May 12, 2006 - 5:57 PM

$26k for 2M advertizing points....That's still cheaper than direct mail.

Score: 0

By rijp

posted May 12, 2006 - 3:27 PM

APMD!

(all spammers must die). Damn bas****s. good company, bad company, porn, I don't care. If you send me an email, you get one, *ONE* chance to get me off your damn list. If I get another email, ater the allotted time to be removed, I am PISSED, and you get reported as SPAM! PERIOD!!!