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US Embassy backs Comdex with spam-fest

What follows is a lovely explanation of when a spam isn't really a spam at all

The US Embassy in London has denied sending unsolicited email to hundreds of journalists and IT professionals advertising this autumn's computer show Comdex in Las Vegas. In the email sent yesterday, the American Embassy tried to flog its International Visitors Program offering "benefits not available to the independent traveller". The junk email also carried a hefty Word document advertising Comdex travel partner Trade Fair Travel Services. It included offers on a number of different travel and accommodation packages. "This is not really a spam," said Ivor Whitworth of the US embassy. "[The email was sent to] people who attended Comdex last year," he said. This excuse, apparently, makes it all right, but despite the Embassy's assurance the commercial nature of the email has angered many people. One hack put it bluntly: "US embassy spams universe." Comdex is a fully sanctioned event and supported by the US Department of Commerce and US Embassies are obliged to recruit people to attend these events. ®

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