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Sending spam in Israel could mean a big fine

Violators can be sued for $250 for every unsolicited message

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updated 10:57 a.m. ET Dec. 1, 2008

JERUSALEM - Israel has gotten fed up with spam. Anyone who sends out messages without receiving the recipient's consent can now be slapped with a big fine.

Last June, a new law gave solicitors six months to ask prospective clients if they wanted to receive unsolicited messages. The deadline expired Monday.

The communications ministry says violators can be sued for $250 for every unsolicited message. Pestered Israelis can go to court five times a year and each time file up to 30 claims against a single company.

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The law applies to solicitations by text message, email and telephone.

It is modeled after similar European statues.

Public relations companies, the Haaretz newspaper and various businesses were sending out e-mails Monday seeking last-minute consent.

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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