Regulatory areas and internet safety
Internet safety is everyone’s concern. Spam, spyware 
SpywareUndesirable software installed on your computer. and botnets pose a threat to the privacy of anyone who ever uses a computer. OPTA regularly takes action against anyone contravening the prohibition of spam and unsolicited software by imposing fines.
Prevention is better than cure
Preventive measures to improve internet safety are becoming increasingly important. Section 11.3 of the Telecommunications Act makes it mandatory for internet service providers to secure their networks properly and to inform their customers of the risks that are peculiar to the internet. OPTA works together with internet service providers and other parties to ensure that this task is carried out.
Spam prohibition
OPTA is required to perform various duties in relation to internet safety. For instance, OPTA monitors any contravention of the prohibition of unsolicited communication: the spam prohibition. It is not only unsolicited e-mail which is prohibited. SMS and MSN messages and faxes that are sent without the recipient’s consent are also unlawful (Section 11.7 of the Telecommunications Act).
Malware
In addition, OPTA is responsible for combating malware. This is malicious software which is installed on a user’s computer without his consent and retrieves private information from it or saves data to it (Section 4.1 of the Universal Service and End User Decree).