But first, another word from our sponsor; parents may worry about sex and gore, but what children can't escape on the Web is advertising

Article Abstract:

The Internet is being developed as a tool to market to children. Toy and cereal makers operate children's sites, but even educational sites like the PBS Kids Pages, the Knowledge Adventure Encyclopedia and the Kids' Almanac contain advertising in the form of links. Few sites sell directly to children, trying instead to build brand awareness and collect data. The advertising agency Saatchi and Saatchi has conducted anthropological research of children's use of computers to enable planning of more effective Internet sites. The trend has social critics concerned that the line between advertising and information on the Internet is being blurred in ways that would be unacceptable on television and that children are being lured into market studies without their parents' knowledge or consent. The Federal Trade Commission is developing rules for the protection of children as legislated by the Children's On-Line Privacy Protection Act. Some operators of educational sites have set up 'bridge' pages between their pages and advertisers so children can understand the commercial purpose of advertisers' sites.

Advertising, Advertising and Related Services, Social aspects, Methods, Innovations, Advertising agencies, Advertising services, Advertising and children

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Taking the garbles out of Internet phone calls

Article Abstract:

Nortel Network Edge Technology is testing equipment to improve voice communication via the Internet. Studies show phoning over Internet equipment allows greater capacity, greater efficiency, and potentially half the cost of traditional voice lines. Using a soundproof room, Nortel has testers rate the quality of recorded phrases sent over the company's intranet. The chief quality problems Nortel is trying to reduce are echoes, network problems, and garbles, from lost data packets. The company has succeeded in smoothing over lost data. The sound quality also improves with a fast Net connection. Businesses typically have speedier Net access than homes and will probably see the first widespread application of this technology.

Telephone and telegraph apparatus, Telephone Apparatus Manufacturing, Product development, Data Communications Equip, Research, Computer network equipment industry, Network hardware industry, Hardware product development, Computer hardware, Product introduction, Computer-telephone integration, Computer telephony, NT, Data communications equipment, Northern Telecom Ltd.

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Delivering the goods: no simple solution

Article Abstract:

As more consumers shop online, delivering large boxes securely to their homes has become a problem. Mental Physics is developing a service that uses large lockable boxes. Traditional mail order houses have defaulted to workplace delivery. Some delivery services rely on drivers' knowledge of customers' schedules to get the package there safely.

Telegraph & other communications, Video Retailing Service, All Other Information Services, Management, Forecasts and trends, Online services, Internet services, Industry trend, Electronic commerce, E-commerce, Online shopping, Home shopping, Distribution, Delivery of goods, Deliveries (Transportation)

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