Is it correct for a business to send unsolicited mailers?

Generally the sending of unsolicited mailers via email is classified as "SPAM". Many jurisdictions have passed legislation making the sending of SPAM illegal. Examples include (but are not limited to):

• "CAN-SPAM" Act of 2003 passed by the US congress.

• E-Privacy Directive: Directive 2002/58/EC Concerning the Processing of Personal Data and the Protection of Privacy in the Electronic Communications Sector, 2002 O.J. (L 201) 37
• E-Commerce Directive: Directive 2000/31/EC on Certain Legal Aspects of Information Society Services, in Particular Electronic Commerce, in the Internal Market, 2000 O.J. (L 178) 1

• Personal Data Act (adopted March 1999)

• Legislative Decree Implementing Distance Contracts Directive (May 22, 1999)

• Telecommunications Act articles 11.7, 11.8

• Act No. 47 of 16 June 1972 relating to the Control of Marketing and Contract Terms and Conditions (Marketing Control Act) § 2a (as amended effective March 1, 2001)

• Marknadsföringslag (1995:450) (Marketing Practices Act)

• Spam Act 2003

• Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, Bill C-6 (enacted Apr. 4, 2000)