Data watchdogs will get stronger powers to stop spammers this year if information commissioner Richard Thomas has his way. Thomas last week said he expects to be able to issue "stop now" orders against UK-based spammers from this autumn.

Thomas said, "I am talking to the DTI about getting our ability to enforce the law strengthened." He added that the need for additional powers was shown by the fact that he had taken a year to resolve an issue with a company sending out unsolicited faxes. "We are looking for something like the Office of Fair Trading's Stop Now orders," Thomas explained.

Thomas said such orders could provide a quick mechanism to halt firms that are sending spam. "The sooner I get the power the better," he added.

Last month, the DTI introduced rules to let firms block unwanted cold-calling from direct marketing companies. Communications minister Stephen Timms said, "Many firms just don't have the resources to cope. This measure gives those firms the option to say no to cold calls." The possibility of extending this measure to business-to-business spam is also being considered.

A spokesman for the DTI said, "If [Thomas] says we need extra business protection then we will look at that. Stop Now orders are an option." However, he added, "We are giving [the EU Directive on Privacy & Electronic Communications] time to bed in. If we were to do anything it would not be without some sort of consultation."

A MessageLabs survey suggests 60 percent of firms will seek an alternative to email within 10 years if spam keeps growing.