Mobile Spam

New reports indicate that mobile spam is surging. The problem seems to be growing faster than even spam email. Some indicators suggest it has doubled in the last 12 month period.

It's possible for mobile phone providers to provide some level of spam filtering. The email content filter technologies involved with mobile solutions are similar to those required for filtering spam email. However, client-side applications for mobile spam are mostly non-existent.

In theory it may be possible to develop a java-based anti-spam application that could run on many mobile platforms. Unfortunately, it would likely be complex to implement and deploy. In many cases the platforms don't support third-party applications designed to filter spam.

Some mobile plans actually charge users for receiving text messages. This further compounds the problem. Not only are you annoyed by an unwanted message, but unlike internet spam - you also end up having to pay for it.

One possible solution is to avoid using text messaging all-together. Most phones now support checking traditional email account wirelessly. By doing this it's possible to filter junk email using a client-side application deployed on your home or work computer.

Some carriers don't require the use of text messaging in their standard packages. By disabling this option, you can truly opt-out of mobile spam.

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