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America Online blocks 'junk' E-mail addressed to users

Article Abstract:

America Online (AOL) responded to customer complaints over junk E-mail by blocking messages from five Internet sites as of Sep 4, 1996. These sites send millions of unsolicited messages per week. Three of the companies are associated with Philadelphia-based Cyber Promotions, a marketing company that sends up to 700,000 unsolicited messages a week to AOL subscribers. CompuServe and Prodigy have already taken similar steps, but AOL's move is the most publicized acknowledgement of a problem that is affecting all of the commercial online services. The practice of sending unwanted commercial E-mail, known as 'spamming,' is extremely unpopular with users and the issue is moving into the court room. Cyber Promotions filed a preliminary injunction in the Federal District Court in Philadelphia, PA on Aug 30, 1996 to prevent AOL from blocking its junk E-mail distribution. Cyber Promotions contends that AOL is interfering with its business by blocking the mass E-mailings. There has been no response from the court.

Electronic Mail Services, Cases, Privacy issue, Privacy, E-mail, Email, Direct mail advertising, Direct-mail advertising, Cyber Promotions Inc

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Use of computer network for child sex sets off raids

Article Abstract:

The US Justice Dept has announced 12 arrests following an investigation into the distribution of child pornography and the practice of luring minors into sex via America Online. The two-year investigation of the US's largest computer network began after the kidnapping of a Maryland boy. Suspects in that case were believed to have habitually used computers to transmit pornographic images of minors. The FBI released a statement claiming that on-line services and bulletin boards are quickly becoming the most common method of transferring pornographic images and of enticing children into illegal sexual activities. Sen Orrin G. Hatch introduced a bill that would make it illegal to create child pornography using computers. The bill would specifically prohibit even those images produced wholly by computer, with no children used as models. America Online itself is not accused of any wrongdoing.

Usage, Investigations, United States. Department of Justice, Industry legal issue, United States. Federal Bureau of Investigation, Child pornography, Censorship, Investigation, Censorship issue

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Human error and software created data network glitch

Article Abstract:

America Online (AOL) is citing software bugs and human error as the reasons for the 19-hour blackout that occurred when its system failed on Aug 7, 1996. The company reports that the problem occurred as the system went off line at 4:00 am, Eastern time, to replace some of its high-capacity switches. When a subsidiary access provider, A.N.S., erroneously reconfigured its routing data, the system could not detect the error. As a result, AOL's engineers could not bring the system back up and assumed it was due to a faulty switch. Users report that the blackout was more of an inconvenience than a serious problem, and that they would remain AOL subscribers. The company's content providers view the system failure as an inevitable result of working with computer technology. AOL plans to compensate its users with one day of free service.

Product defects and recalls, Company services, Company public relations

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