ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Internet users who log on through Yahoo!
will now be protected from unwanted e-mail and telemarketing
campaigns.
A settlement announced Wednesday by New York Attorney General
Eliot Spitzer requires the Sunnyvale, Calif-based Internet company
to allow users to opt out of receiving e-mail marketing
solicitations, and it prohibits Yahoo from telemarketing to those
who do so.
``It is neither appropriate nor legally permissible for a
company to compile a database of personal information through an
online registration process and then attempt to use the information
for telemarketing purposes to target consumers who have stated that
they do not want to receive solicitations,'' Spitzer said.
Yahoo officials, in a prepared statement, said the company
``will implement enhancements to our communications with our
consumers about Yahoo products and services, which is consistent
with our long-standing commitment to provide our millions of loyal
users with clear and comprehensive notice and choice.''
The investigation into Yahoo started after it e-mailed users in
March 2002 to inform them the company was revamping its marketing
program. Yahoo told customers then it would begin marketing to all
registered users after 60 days unless consumers informed the
company they did not want to receive solicitations.
Under terms of Wednesday's settlement, Yahoo also will not
telemarket to consumers who supplied their telephone number as part
of their account information, and who declined to receive
solicitations under the company's previous marketing program.
The company also will be required to pay $75,000, and provide
users 30 days' notice prior to the effective date of any changes to
its marketing program.
(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)