The operators of the Web site of home improvement icon Bob Vila have been accused of violations of federal anti-spamming law. In early March, Internet service provider Hypertouch sued BV-WebTies, the operator of bobvila.com, along with one of its partners, BlueStream Media. The suit alleges that the defendants sent e-mails to Hypertouch customers that violated provisions set forth in the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act of 2003, otherwise known as the CAN-SPAM Act.
Among other things, BVWeb-Ties is accused of sending e-mails with false or misleading IP address information. Joe Wagner, president of California-based Hypertouch, said that his company's mail server had noted the situation, and that he had received complaints from users who ultimately received the e-mails. Private citizens are not allowed to bring legal action under the CAN-SPAM Act.
In a statement posted on bobvila .com, BVWebTies CEO Jack Hill said that he was "shocked" by the suit and expressed confidence that his company "will show that it operated in good faith and in full compliance with existing law."
The suit also alleges that BV-WebTies gathered certain e-mail addresses unlawfully.
