Kids say the darnedest things; student Web sites present schools with difficult free-speech issues

Article Abstract:

Educators are concerned about student-created Web sites that contain offensive materials, and about offensive e-mail messages. Schools are considering how much freedom students should have to create and transmit electronic communications, or to download materials onto school computers, and such considerations are generating free-speech issues. For example, students at Dulaney High School, Timonium, MD, have withdrawn the electronic version of the student newspaper, called the Griffin, because the Baltimore County School District has adopted an Internet-use policy that forbids posting students' full names, or, without parental consent, their photographs. District officials say the rules are meant to protect students' safety and privacy, but some observers say the rules go too far. In 1969, the US Supreme Court ruled that the First Amendment protects student speech in public schools, in matters such as leafleting or political pronouncements. However, in a 1988 decision, Hazelwood School District vs Kuhlmeier, the court said school officials have a right to censor 'inappropriate' material in student newspapers and yearbooks.

Internet, Privacy issue, Privacy, Freedom of speech, Telecommunications systems, Electronic mail systems, E-mail, Email, Schools, Internet/Web technology application, Technology application, Technology in education, Web site/Web page development, Educational technology

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Utilities reach out to add phone, cable service

Article Abstract:

Gas and electric utilities are entering the telecommunications industry, in response to the 1996 Telecommunications Act. American Electric Power plans to carry phone communication over the wires that manage the company's power lines. KN Energy has begun selling Internet services and satellite dishes to customers. Boston Edison intends to provide home-security and cable-TV services. Many utilities are shifting away from the traditional energy-production model, according to Boston Edison Chief Exec Thomas J. May. To date, nearly 85 utilities have established plans to offer telecommunications services. Although the utilities do not have much experience in the telecommunications market, they have some natural advantages. Utilities have 600,000 miles of fiber-optic cable, long-term consumer relationships and established billing systems.

Electric, Gas & Water Utilities, Utilities, ELECTRIC, GAS, AND SANITARY SERVICES, Planning, Electric utilities, Services, Public utilities, Company services, Company business planning, Internet access, Telephone systems, KNE, Telephone system, American Electric Power Company Inc., AEP, Boston Edison Co., BSE, KN Energy Inc.

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Vigilant copyright holders patrol the Internet

Article Abstract:

A variety of publishers and other copyright holders have stepped up enforcement against violations of their copyrights found on the Web, but non-commercial copyright violators may not be doing anything illegal. Most publishers ignored uses of their materials on the Internet in the past because it seemed to be a minor matter, but the recent attention given the the Web has forced many publishers to actively enforce their rights. Copyright law, however, is not completely applicable to the Web if the use is not pornographic or for money. Non-commercial uses of copyrighted materials are not completely covered by criminal copyright laws. In a 1994 in Boston, a federal judge threw out a copyright infringement case against an MIT student who had been distributing copyrighted software programs for free over his bulletin board.

Telegraph & other communications, Specialized Telecom Services, Wired Telecommunications Carriers, Internet services, Copyrights, Patents, Patent/Copyright Issue

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