E-mail changes spark two-tier fears

Fee-based systems for commercial e-mails raise the spectre of the two-tier internet, writes internet law professor Michael Geist.

America Online and Yahoo's recent announcement of a new fee-based system for commercial e-mail has generated enormous discussion within the internet and marketing communities.

Supporters argued that the plan represents an innovative marketing approach that will help reduce spam.

Detractors, on the other hand, fear that the plan will choke off free speech by limiting the use of e-mail to those who can afford to pay millions in new service fees.

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