PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Oct 16, 2001
Netizens Protection Act of 2001 - Prohibits any person from initiating the transmission of an unsolicited electronic mail (e-mail) message in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce if such message: (1) does not contain the name, physical address, and e-mail address of the sender; (2) does not provide an electronic method for contacting the sender to request that no further messages be sent; or (3) is part of a bulk transmission of such messages and includes information that is false or misleading with respect to the body of the message. Provides a private right of action for violations of such prohibition.Requires each interactive computer service provider to make available to each of its customers its policy regarding unsolicited e-mail, including options for the customer to elect to receive or not receive such e-mail. Prohibits customers from using the equipment or facilities of the provider to initiate the bulk transmission of an unsolicited e-mail message if the provider's policy prohibits such bulk transmissions. Provides a right of action for providers adversely affected by customer violations of such prohibition.States that a provider who, in good faith, takes action to restrict or prevent the receipt of unsolicited e-mail by its customers shall not be liable for any harm resulting from the failure to prevent such receipt.
People & committees
Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4] · R–NJ
Legislative record
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Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 19, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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