Gary Thuerk

Gary Thuerk is known as the "Father of Spam" because he sent the first unsolicited mass email in 1978 while working at Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC). He used the ARPANET, a precursor to the internet, to promote DEC's products to around 400 users. While his intention was to generate leads, the email was unwelcome and sparked negative reactions, leading to ongoing discussions about email marketing ethics and spam. Thuerk's action had a lasting impact on how businesses communicate online, shaping regulations and user expectations regarding unsolicited messages.