Sydney - A Perth businessman has become the first Australian to be charged under the Spam Act for sending out unsolicited e-mails, news reports on Friday said.
The Australian Communications Authority (ACA) alleges Wayne Mansfield and his companies Clarity1 and Business Seminars sent out over 56 million unsolicited e-mails in the year after the Spam Act came into force in April 2004.
The ACA raided Mansfield's Perth premises in April after members of the public reported receiving unsolicited e-mails.
The ACA said he was listed by international anti-spam watchdog Spamhaus as among the world's top 200 spammers, who together are responsible for about eight out of 10 unsolicited e-mails.
A successful prosecution would make Mansfield liable to a fine of up to AUS$220 000 for each day the act has been has breached.
Mansfield told national broadcaster ABC that he welcomed the opportunity to clear his name in court.
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