EarthLink Introduces spamBlocker

ATLANTA, May 28, 2003 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- EarthLink(R) (ELNK) , today became the first major Internet service provider to include, at no additional charge, an optional spam-blocking feature that enables EarthLink subscribers to eliminate virtually 100 percent of all junk email. spamBlocker(SM) is included with EarthLink's TotalAccess(R) 2003 Internet software, and users can now download a copy at http://www.earthlink.net/spamblocker.

"spamBlocker's innovative approach eliminates virtually all spam and positions us as a leader in battling the bane of the Internet," said Rob Kaiser, EarthLink's vice president of narrowband marketing. "EarthLink believes that everyone's Internet experience should be helpful, informative, and fun and shouldn't be cluttered with inappropriate pop-up ads and junk email. With the launch of spamBlocker, EarthLink subscribers can claim control of their inboxes and get back to enjoying their time spent online."

EarthLink has a long history of aggressively fighting spam. In addition to technical solutions like spamBlocker, EarthLink's multifaceted approach includes legal action, legislative support and consumer education. Most recently, the company has pursued legal action to shut down a Buffalo, New York spam ring accused of sending more than 850 million illegal emails since March 2002.

Separately, the company has joined with America Online Inc. (AOL), Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) and Yahoo! Inc. (YHOO) in a coalition whose long-term charter is to establish industry standards and finding solutions to fighting spam.

spamBlocker is the latest feature introduced to empower subscribers against intrusive Internet advertising. Last year EarthLink introduced Pop-Up Blocker(SM), an easy-to-use tool that stops pop-up ads while users surf the Web. Such innovations, when combined with the company's award-winning customer service, show EarthLink's commitment to creating a customizable and hassle-free experience for our subscribers.

Like EarthLink's Pop-Up Blocker, spamBlocker is an optional feature. Customers can modify the tool depending upon the amount of unsolicited email they want to receive in their inbox.

spamBlocker builds upon EarthLink's highly successful spaminator product and offers subscribers a new level of protection. By residing on the company's email servers, spamBlocker blocks junk email messages before they ever reach the customer's inbox.

spamBlocker invokes a 'permission-based' auto-response to spam and unrecognized email addresses, asking the sender to fill out a short, easy-to- complete form to gain access to the EarthLink subscriber's inbox. The subscriber can choose to accept or reject the sender's request, and if admitted, add the sender's address to his or her address book. This approach and its protective features create a barrier-to-entry for spammers, while offering simple entry for legitimate communications.

About EarthLink

EarthLink is the Internet service provider (ISP) solution for an impatient world. Headquartered in Atlanta, EarthLink has earned a national reputation for outstanding customer service and its suite of online products and services. According to J.D. Power and Associates, EarthLink is ranked Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Dial-up ISPs and tied in the ranking for Highest Customer Satisfaction Among High-Speed ISPs. Serving approximately five million subscribers, EarthLink offers what every user should expect from their Internet experience: high-quality connectivity, minimal drop-offs and ISP-generated intrusions, and customizable features. Whether it's dial-up, high-speed, Web hosting, or wireless Internet service, EarthLink provides the tools that best let individuals use and enjoy the Internet on their own terms. Learn more about EarthLink by calling (800) EARTHLINK or visiting EarthLink's Web site at www.earthlink.net .

SOURCE EarthLink