---------- Forwarded message ---------- Another shoe drops? ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Mon, 1 Jan 1996 19:44:30 -0600 From: x To: y Y - Coming off CompuServe's announcement last week that it was cutting off all access to "alt.binaries" newsgroups under pressure from the German government, I'm passing along another apparent development from another Internet access provider, Netcom. Under the guise of a minor software upgrade, Netcom has changed its newsgroups access list to totally exclude "alt" groups altogether. Since there is no way to sign up for a newsgroup other than via the selection menu that Netcom provides, it appears that Netcom has managed to censor access to all those discussion groups. We are witnessing the not-so-gradual erosion of freedom of the Net. I not often find myself allied with John Perry Barlow, but on this one we are four-square: what with stupid attempts of government to pass unconstitutional restrictions, and acquiescence of the private sector to intimidation and pressure, freedoms of the many are being dictated by reactionary elements in places like Memphis, Tennessee. The next opportunity, I expect, will be to help underwrite the defense of the first criminal action brought under the new law. In the meantime, we can unsubscribe to services that curtail our liberties. "X" Speaking solely for myself, this time.