ITAA study finds marketplace moving to solve 'cyberporn' and related Internet abuses.

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 16, 1995--The Information Technology Association of America (ITAA) Thursday released a report demonstrating that the information technology industry is moving swiftly to address the problems of inappropriate content on the Internet and related online services.

Following a detailed analysis of pending federal legislation, current state laws and market alternatives, the ITAA Task Force on Internet Use report warns that "...banning perceived indecency, whether through federal legislation or municipal ordinance, is an awkward, ineffective process, apt to fall the test of time."

ITAA President Harris N. Miller said the report "documents the case for what (we) see as a `reasonable and rational middle ground,' one which protects the future of a rapidly growing Internet community, while giving parents and families the tools necessary to control access and block inappropriate content."

At the same time, Miller said, "We are also calling for laws which separate content authors and publishers from online service and software providers, granting `safe harbor' protections to those who unknowingly provide access to obscene, defamatory or abusive items. To do otherwise would have a chilling effect on the growth of the Internet and online services."

Congressman Rick White (R-WA) and Vernon J. Ehlers (R-MI) share many of the report's conclusions. "As the father of four children who use the Internet, I am concerned with what my children have access to," White said. "The ITAA report demonstrates that the industry is moving rapidly with self-regulation and is working to solve the problem of inappropriate content on the Internet."

White continued: "Six months ago, we simply did not know whether self-regulation was even an option. This report strongly suggests that the industry is committed to finding the most effective solution to this issue and that the federal government should use caution so not to obstruct the growth of this vitally important new medium."

Ehlers voiced similar concerns, saying, "The ITAA report demonstrates that the technology is available to prevent children from gaining access to inappropriate materials on the Internet. It is important for Congress to realize this, and avoid putting unworkable regulations on the Internet.

"I deplore the fact that some individuals misuse the `Net' by distributing obscene materials or trying to lure children into personal contact for immoral purposes.

"Nevertheless, it is important for the government to recognize that the misbehavior of the individuals must be addressed without imposing excessive regulation on the network. Let's not confuse the medium with the messenger," Ehlers concluded.

The task force made the following recommendations in its report: -0-

o   ITAA supports the Cox-Wyden-White amendment empowerment language
    and the market-based approach to solving the offensive content
    problem, with one notable caveat concerning communications
    software providers, discussed immediately below (this measure
    passed the House of Representatives on a vote of 420-4).

o   ITAA believes that the indecency language in the
    Telecommunications Reform Act must provide protections against
    liability to IT businesses that provide access to the Internet
    or online services but over which these companies have no
    control.  Further, the Cox-Wyden-White amendment must be
    expanded to protect "communications software providers."  These
    communications and access software companies provide the
    software (including client or server software) that help
    individuals to navigate the Internet to locate information.
    These access software providers should be covered explicitly in
    the definition of "interactive computer services" which (along
    with "Information content providers") are shielded from
    liability under the Cox-Wyden-White amendment "Good Samaritan"
    provisions.

o   ITAA endorses including "harmful to minors" language as part of
    the Telecommunications Reform Act in place of the "indecency"
    standard used in the Exon and Hyde provisions.

o   State laws need to be consistent with Federal laws addressing
    the content of information available on the Internet and online
    services to prevent the "Balkanization" of the Internet through a
    myriad of inconsistent laws and regulations.-0-

The report released Thursday discusses each recommendation. Report appendices include a review of available blocking and filtering technology as well as a state-by-state overview of applicable laws governing obscenity, child pornography and harassment. The report is available through the ITAA home page at http://www.itaa.org.

ITAA consists of 6,700 direct and affiliate members throughout the U.S. which produce products and services in the IT industry. The Association plays a leading role in public policy issues of concern to the IT industry, including taxes, intellectual property, telecommunications law, encryption, securities litigation reform, and human resources policy.

Founded in 1961 as ADAPSO, ITAA members range from the smallest IT start-ups to industry leaders in the software, services, system integrators, telecommunications, Internet, and computer consulting fields.

CONTACT: ITAA, Arlington

Bob Cohen, 703/284-5333

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