As noted in the documentOECD Work on Spam issued in July 2004, "Recognizing the cross-cutting nature of the issues [surrounding spam], and a need for a focused and coordinated attack on the problem, the OECD Council has approved the creation of a Spam Task Force..."

"The Task Force on Spam will be set up for a maximum period of two years, with regular reviews of progress, and will deliver outcomes progressively over that timeframe."

According to the summary document, "The Task Force Terms of Reference are:

• To study, document and promote the range of existing and emerging anti-spam strategies, across all sectors, encompassing regulatory strategies, technologies, enforcement arrangements and strategies, and education and awareness-raising activities and materials.
To develop and promote an anti-spam 'tool kit' to facilitate the development and growth of anti-spam strategies, arrangements and solutions, and to facilitate international co-operation against spam.
• To build upon work already done by OECD, the private sector, civil society, and other international organizations.
• To devise a public awareness strategy for OECD and a strategy for OECD outreach to share experiences with non-Member economies in order to support global efforts to combat spam.