Date: Thu, 22 Feb 1996 16:54:06 +0100
From: glaad@glaad.org (GLAAD)
Subject: GLAAD TO BE PART OF COMMITTEE TO OVERSEE CYBER PATROL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:        Loren R. Javier
                (213) 658-6775
                javier@glaad.org


GLAAD TO BE PART OF COMMITTEE TO OVERSEE CYBER PATROL

NORTHAMPTON, MA -- February 22, 1996 -- Microsystems Software has invited
the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation to serve on its CyberNOT
Oversight Committee.  The committee will meet six times a year to review
and assess blocking categories for Cyber Patrol, software manufactured to
filter the internet by Microsystems Software.  The committee will also
review and examine disputed sites and vote on the validity of blocking
decisions.

"As Internet filtering software becomes more of an alternative to
governmental regulation of the Internet, GLAAD is pleased that Microsystems
Software has extended a position on the committee to the gay and lesbian
community," says Loren Javier, GLAAD's Director of Information Systems,
"This gesture demonstrates their understanding that gay men and lesbians
are a very important part of the Internet community."

The CyberNOT Oversight Committee will comprise representatives from
different areas of experience and expertise.  Groups shall include parents,
teachers, clergy, the National Rifle Association, Anti-Defamation League,
ACLU, GLAAD and women's rights groups.

"Such a diverse group will hopefully ensure that everybody's voice is
heard," continues Javier.

CyberPatrol was originally criticized by GLAAD in November for blocking gay
and lesbian resource sites.  GLAAD contacted Microsystems Software and
worked with them to unblock many of these sites.  Online service provider
CompuServe has recently announced that it will use CyberPatrol for its
parental control.

GLAAD is a national organization that promotes fair, accurate and inclusive
representation of individuals and events in the media as a means of
challenging discrimination based on sexual orientation or identity.

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Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD)
glaad@glaad.org
http://www.glaad.org

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, GLAAD, is a national
organization that promotes fair, accurate and inclusive representation of
individuals and events in the media as a means of combatting homophobia and
all forms of discrimination based on sexual orientation or identity.
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