More users now taking direct route to the Internet, a survey finds
Article Abstract:
More computer users are now accessing the Internet through local access providers than through the commercial online services, such as America Online and Compuserve. A recent survey by Odyssey Inc also shows that users are less impressed with online technology and increasingly disenchanted with proprietary information services. The survey shows that 48 percent of US households with Internet access are using an Internet access provider, while 35 percent are using the commercial online services. This is a reversal of the results of a similar survey taken six months ago that showed 54 percent using the online services and 30 percent employing Internet access providers. Pacific Bell Internet Services reports that over 51,000 users subscribed to its Internet access service in the first 90 days. The commercial service providers offer a variety of online services that are available only to their subscribers, but users can access most everything else on the Internet through a local access provider.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1996
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On-line service ending its ban of sexual materials on Internet; Compuserve hands over control to subscribers
Article Abstract:
CompuServe announces that it will reinstate access to about 200 Internet sites it had previously blocked, giving users filtering software to allow them to block access to sites as they wish. The sites typically relate to sexual topics, and CompuServe originally blocked access because German prosecutors threatened to sue the company for making sexually explicit material available. CompuServe is maintaining a block on five sites that authorities state are devoted to child pornography. Civil rights groups praise CompuServe's move, pointing out that the filtering software gives parents a way to control the material their children see without involving the government. America Online and Prodigy, the other major online services, already offers filtering software to their subscribers. CompuServe continues to claim that it has no responsibility for content it does not create and maintain.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1996
User Contributions:
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