TECHNOLOGY - Feb. 24, 1996

Internet Regulations on Hold: The Justice Department has agreed to refrain from prosecuting violators of the new law that prohibits the distribution of “patently offensive” materials to minors over computer networks until it is decided by the courts. Last week, a federal judge barred the government from enforcing the provision of the Communications Decency Act that covers “indecent” material. This spring, a three-judge panel of the U.S. District Court in Philadelphia will consider a request by the American Civil Liberties Union for a preliminary injunction against enforcement of both the offensive and the indecent material provisions. Opponents argue the law violates free speech rights.