Woolworths has been fined $1 million for sending over 5 million spam marketing emails, such as in the image.
The fine was imposed by the spam email watchdog, the Australian Communications and Media Authority, because Woolworths failed to process 'unsubscribe' requests within the 5 day time limit set under Spam Act. In all, 5 million spam emails were sent - they were spam because they were sent despite unsubscribe requests.
Woolworths blamed ‘technical and systems issues’, but this did not change their culpability. They were culpable in spite of the explanation.
This brings me to the 2 rules to follow when sending marketing emails.
If you want to stay on the right side of the law:
(1) Before sending obtain the customer's consent to join the mailing list; and
(2) Stop sending when you receive an unsubscribe request.