Italy is introducing tough fines and prison sentences against spammers. Senders of unsolicited junk e-mails can expect fines up to a maximum of 90.000 euros and 3 years in prison.

The penalties go far beyond those in any other European country. All EU member states will have to outlaw spam by 31 October 2003 as a result of European directive 2002/58/EC. From that date on the sending of unsolicited bulk email is only allowed after prior consent of the receiver. The European directive does not specify penalties.

The Italian data protection authority said that the high penalties apply to senders that operate with the aim of making a profit. The limitations of the penalties are also clear, since 60 percent of the spam mails that Italians receive, come from abroad.

Lo spamming a fini di profitto e un reato (03.09.2003)
http://www.garanteprivacy.it/garante/doc.jsp?ID=272444