Americans Want Their Inbox Back: More Than Half of All Personal Emails Are Now Considered Spam.

Business Editors

STAMFORD, Conn. & CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 15, 2003

New Survey by InsightExpress and UNspam, LLC Shows That Spam Makes

Checking Email a Burden While Three In Four Are Offended

by Email They Receive

According to a recent survey of 1,500 online consumers conducted by professional research firm InsightExpress and business and government consultancy UNspam, LLC consumers are fed up with receiving unsolicited email. The amount of spam in American's personal inboxes has grown 76% in the last 12 months, making the process of checking email a burden.

The survey also reveals one-quarter (26%) of the spam in personal email accounts is considered pornographic in nature -- a real issue for parents as almost 9 out of 10 (88%) say they are "seriously concerned" about their children receiving inappropriate email. To address the situation, 96% of parents are looking for the ability to block pornographic emails from reaching their children's email accounts.

"Americans are growing increasingly concerned with the impact inappropriate spam has on their daily lives and the lives of their children," said US Senator Charles E. Schumer. "Their concern demonstrates the need for strong legislation to create a 'No-Spam' registry similar to the popular FTC 'Do Not Call' list which has enjoyed incredibly popular support."

Americans agree with Senator Schumer, as 3 out of 4 would support a national "Do-Not-Spam" registry and 78% say they would sign up should such a registry become available.

While Congress debates the viability of anti-spam legislation, Americans are increasingly relying on technology-driven filters to control the onslaught of spam, a method only 43% describe as effective. Additionally, 2 out of 5 Americans feel that large Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are "disingenuous" in their fight against spam.

"Spam and its associated impact represent increasing threats to individuals, family members, workers, and even shareholders," said Lee Smith, president and COO of InsightExpress. "Without methods to reduce the volume and type of spam, the practicality of email may be in jeopardy for consumers and business professionals alike."

Spam is also proving to be a costly problem in the workplace as more than a third (37%) of email enabled American workers admit to being distracted when they receive spam. Importantly, almost half (45%) say they would be more productive if they received less spam. According to participants, employers have a duty to protect employees from unsolicited pornographic email, as 62% believe pornographic spam can contribute to a hostile work environment.

"While the survey reconfirms that spam is a nuisance for consumers, the emerging problem we've found is that unsolicited email creates real liability for businesses," said Matthew Prince, CEO and co-founder of UNspam LLC. "Unless Congress gets serious and passes strong anti-spam legislation, businesses need to brace themselves for the coming onslaught of increased costs, losses, and liability."

The survey, conducted in early October, has a data tolerance +/- 2.65%. Contact Doug Adams at [e-mail] for full survey results.

About InsightExpress

InsightExpress is the acknowledged pioneer of rapid turnaround, high-quality, online market research services. With its award-winning and patented technology, market research expertise, and access to more than 100 million online individuals, InsightExpress enables its clients to easily harness market research to make the right business decision in real time. InsightExpress is affiliated with General Atlantic Partners. Visit us on the Web at www.insightexpress.com or call 203-359-4174.

About UNspam, LLC

UNspam was established in 2001 as a consulting company for businesses and governments trying to solve the problems created by the flood of unsolicited, unwanted email. Founded by computer scientists and attorneys we look at the issue from both a technical and legal perspective. Because of this holistic approach, we often see opportunities and drawbacks others have missed. UNspam is the leading expert on the topic of do-not-email registries, which we believe will be the next generation of anti-spam law. UNspam has developed patent-pending software and techniques for registry implementation that protect consumers' privacy and allow marketers to maintain the secrecy of their proprietary lists. Visit us at www.unspam.com or call 888-4-unspam.