Hacker brings sound of silence to net with program killing 25,000 postings

Article Abstract:

The cancellation of more than 25,000 messages on the Usenet BBS has resulted in controversy. The Internet allows users to cancel any messages, those that others have sent as well as their own. The messages that were cancelled over the weekend of Sep 21-22, 1996 were related to the topics of women, homosexuals, Jews, Eastern religions and some computer topics. Internet users view the arbitrary destruction of messages as more than vandalism, and it demonstrates the continuing vulnerabilities of the worldwide network. The Church of Scientology has exploited this capability in order to cancel messages believed to contain its copyrighted material. It does not require a high degree of technological expertise to cancel messages, almost any user can do it. Some users believe the capability enables them to eliminate commercial sales pitches that are spread all over the Internet. Others view it as a form of censorship.

Other Justice, Public Order, and Safety Activities, Free Speech & Assembly, Internet, Freedom of speech, Telecommunications systems, Bulletin Board, Bulletin board services (BBS), Computer bulletin boards

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It isn't entertainment that makes the Web shine; it's dull data; sex aside, sites that offer customers convenience prove to be the big hits; map makers and phone books

Article Abstract:

Many World Wide Web observers believe the Web is emerging as a communications tool rather than an entertainment medium. The technology's inability to keep pace with industry vision has prevented many Web-enabled PCs from downloading still images, let alone multimedia. It may require five to 10 years for the Web's delivery system to match its entertainment promise, according to many experts. A notable exception is pornography, given the Web's ready access and privacy. Consumers instead have accessed Web sites for more practical tasks like free E-mail services, on-line Yellow Pages and maps. Internet strengths include its utility, as users can pinpoint data from numerous categories, and shopping variety. Popular destinations include news, stock quotes and sports scores. A potential drawback involves charging customers for online services, most of which remain free.

World Wide Web

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