Hostarica News Brief

Spam Filters Criticized
La Nación - May, 2005
Translated by Juan Carlos Tercero

One Internet user protests that Racsa prevents him from receiving and sending massive electronic messages because their filters consider such things "undesirable" (Spam), in the interest for its company.

Jorge Gutiérrez, resident of Escazú and owner of a company dedicated to organize commercial interests maintains that "not all mass mail is unwanted" and that Costa Rican Radiografica's (Racsa) policies are simply preventative measures.

Racsa has two spam filters for more than 120,000 clients that block e-mails detected as spam, but Gutiérrez would like to let these pass instead. He even had to purchase server space outside the country to conduct his operations. The internet service he uses is through cable modem.

Mario Zaragoza, Head of Public Relations for Racsa, explained this is in place to regulate the transfer of massive electronic correspondence the filters are there to for the benefit of the consumer. Zaragoza explained that the filters identify spam messages through keywords, like Viagra, bets, pornography or other commonly used subjects related to the spread of viruses. Zaragoza added that, if somebody wishes to receive e-mail blocked by the filter, one should communicate with Racsa, making a request that indicates the sender from whom they wish to receive these messages.

If the person wants to send massive messages, they must register with the list of receivers and demonstrate that they have authorization. Juan Vives, director of Technology for Hostarica, comments that at the present time are filtration methods for e-mail. One is that the filtration is provided by Internet Service Providers, like Racsa, and the other is through programs which the user may choose to install themselves.

Vives explained that the most popular method at the moment is the second form, in which the consumer determines what is Spam. "Perhaps this interests you, but it doesn't me. If I use a spam filter, there will be problems with my clients ", he asserted.