Will new standards help curb spam?

The percentage of all e-mail that is unsolicited has risen steadily during the past couple of years. This barrage of spam has caused numerous complaints from many sources. In fact, a recent survey by the Pew Internet and American Life Project - which funds research on the Internet's impact on individuals, families, and communities - showed that 75 percent of US users are concerned about spam. Many industry observers say neither filtering nor regulation will effectively stop spam. They contend that more fundamental changes to e-mail technology - such as alterations to basic standards are necessary.