Spam News

Was White House healthcare email spam?

Monday, August 17, 2009

The White House this weekend responded to claims that it had sent an email on healthcare reform to people who didn't sign up for White House email, denying that the administration had purchased any email lists. Reports from Fox News Channel implied people were receiving spam.

Fox News Channel reporter Major Garrett on Thursday asked White House press secretary Robert Gibbs about comments he had received from Fox viewers that they were receiving emails from the White House that they had not signed up for.

"The White House email list is made up of email addresses obtained solely through the White House website," said White House spokesman Nick Shapiro, according to Foxnews.com. "The White House doesn't purchase, upload or merge from any other list."

Shapiro said the administration has "no interest in emailing anyone who does not want to receive an email" and suggested that people who receive unwanted emails from the White House should unsubscribe from the list by clicking the unsubscribe link.

He also said the White House is working to make subscribing to emails clearer and prevent advocacy organizations from signing people up to lists without their permission.

The Whitehouse.gov website privacy policy says the administration only collects email addresses from individuals who "affirmatively request to receive" emails or other services.