TECHNOLOGY - March 13, 1996

Online Execs Push Education Program: Top executives from six leading online and Internet access companies put aside their differences to unveil a national consumer education program designed to promote responsible use of online networks. At a news conference in New York, they launched Project OPEN, or Online Public Education Network, to address what they said are four key issues threatening the viability of the fast-growing computer networks. The initial focus of the organization will be on strengthening parental control over what children can see via computer networks. It also plans to offer a variety of programs this year to educate consumers about intellectual property rights, consumer protection issues and privacy rights. The program was initiated by the Interactive Services Assn. in Silver Spring, Md.