Abstracts » Business, general

Does anything go? Limiting free speech on the Net: Five players debate the issue

Article Abstract:

Five people with varying levels of interest in and involvement with the Web debate the issues of free speech and pornography over the Internet. Clinton Dean Fein and Rufus Griscom represent Internet service providers who reject any form of censorship, maintaining that the Web is a unique communications medium that requires a special set of rules. Donna Rice Hughes, a champion of the Communications Decency Act, believes that the welfare of children merits a special regimen of cooperation between Internet publishers and consumers. Paul Resnick maintains that the Platform for Internet Content Selection (PICS) is an adequate model for dealing with the need for a special class of filtering software for Internet users. Conservative representative Cathy Cleaver supports new legislation to make it more difficult for minors to access controversial material via the Internet.

Laws, regulations and rules, Internet security, Social issue, Social conditions, Censorship, Censorship issue

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Talking toasters: companies gear up for Internet boom in things that think; appliances and office wares become chip-equipped and hook in to the Net: the threat of copier hackers

Article Abstract:

A trend is identified that will culminate as devices of everyday life are equipped with computer chips and become interconnected with the Internet. Almost anything, from home appliances to factory components, can be rendered smarter and more useful. Devices in classrooms, hospitals, laboratories and offices can be made to monitor themselves and can automatically diagnose problems, transmitting detailed alerts when interventions or repairs are required. According to MIT Media Lab guru Nicholas Negroponte, a new era of computing is implied. Negroponte says the new thing is 'things,' which he defines as any type of device that incorporates a microprocessor and is connected to the Net.

Electronic computers, Electronic Computer Manufacturing, Computers & Auxiliary Equip, Telecommunications, Telephone Communication, Computer industry, Forecasts and trends, Technological forecasting, Communications technology, Internet/Web overview, World Wide Web, Future of computing

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MCI matches AT&T's Internet offer of free access to long-distance clients

Article Abstract:

MCI announces that it will equal AT&T's offer of complimentary Internet access to each of its long-distance customers. MCI will also increase its infrastructural capabilities in order to provide better personal and corporate Internet performance, tripling the transmission rates of its backbone network. The intense pricing competition between the well-funded long-distance telephone companies could have a significantly negative impact on the ability of smaller Internet access providers to compete. The long-distance carriers are aggressively attempting to retain their consumer-base, as customers are increasingly offered varied and sometimes lucrative incentives to switch carriers.

Prices and rates, Company internet strategy, Internet access, MCI Communications Corp., MCIC, Company pricing policy

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