speed bump up ahea

iT was never intended
to be this way.

It was originally created
by the military as communi-
cation through computers
rather than by telephone or
tadio. Today, it’s hard to
avoid hearing or seeing the
words “Internet,” “the Web.
or “the Information
Superhighway."

From new businesses to
free information and
research, the Internet has
grown enormously in the last
decade.

The International Data
Corporation predicts that
within five years there will
be more than 200 million
people using the Internet.

’ The terrns “cyberspace” and
“the Information
Superhighway” have been
created by the media; the

system was originally named
AtpaNet when it was first
created and was then given
the name “the Internet” as it
started to become more pop-
ular.

When most people hear
the term “Internet,” they
immediately think of a syn-

thetic world where one click
ofa mouse button or press of
a key means another page of
semi-refevant information.
Yes. this is one rapidly
expanding portion of the ser-
vices available, but there are
also smaller Serviegs such as
the Internet news groups
which contain topics of anv-
thing imaginable.

Another fairly common
service is an area where peo-
ple are given the opportunity
to converse with people all
over the globe with virtually
no delay, And it’s absolutely
free to anywhere in the
world from anywhere in the
world.

Several months ago, the
U.S. Congress proposed a
bill which would give them
the right to apply censorship
tules on the Internet, focus-
ing mainly on large compa-

ies that provide Internet
access.

The reaction to this bill
Was tremendous, Groups
were formed on both sides
and action was tiken. £ was
forwarded mail from several
people concerning possible
Ways to stop the bill.
Following a lengthy opinion
by the author, one of them
contained the phone numbers
and addresses of some of the
involved Congress members,
and even sample phone calls
and letters to try to stop the
passing of the bill.

Despite all efforts against
the bill, it was passed.
Arrangements are currently
being made to implement
censorship legislation on
large Internet organizations
and providers in the United
States. One of the interna-
tional on-line service

Friday, May 31, 1996 - North Shore News — 27

providers was forced to
exclude some of the news
groups from the list of pub-
licly accessible areas.

True, there is a lotot
garbage on the Internet. But
the garbage is cusy to avoid.
If you're looking for useful
information. chances are you
will find just what you are
looking for with no difficulty
or irrelevant trash.

{feel that attempting to
censor the Internet is a big
waste of time for exactly this
reason, In the process, it also
limits the flexibility of the
Internet. For example,
libraries will not be able to
put any books on the Internet

- that may offend somebody.

The reason that the

Internet is so big today is not
because of the endless quan-
tities of information. but
because of the fact that it is
so easy to contribute intor-
mation.

The Internet is a reality
because of its millions and
millions of contributors, and
if the publishing abilities of
its contributors are limited, f
doubt it would continue to be
such a valuable asset to peo-
ple seeking information,

Simon Kirby is a Grade
Ll Carson Grahant student
enrolled in Videa Production
72 atat Leo Marshall
Curriculum Centre. He can
be reached at sin@nema-
tion.com

BREAST HEALTH

-”~

Call your nearest Canadian Cancer
Society office for more information
about BSE teaching clinics and
screening mammography centres.

ie

SAITO COLLIMBEA AN THROM DIVISION

eT SAE ne,

Lynn Vailey Days
THE competition was fierce during the Kids Games at the racent Lynn Valtey Days

celebration. Here, kids raca for the flnish fine in a race that saw aii participants
win ribbons. ‘

The District of West Vancouver,
Sewell’s Marina and BC Ferries
cordially invite you
TO THE GRAND OPENING
OF THE HORSESHOE BAY
“EAST BOATHOUSE”

When: Wednesday, June 5, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

KLIS OSA eS
nagetPAttginneaunyy REE

oe

Where: 6409 Bay Street, Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver, B.C.
Light refreshments will be provided.

x

This revitalization project ts a successful joint venture by

the public and private sectors. It will provide a multi-use
facility including: office space, a public information office, a
marine retail store, a public viewing deck, a conference room
for community use, and a West Van Police Sub-office.

AM lech & Decker
Cloverdatc Faitgeountas

. Black &
Decker

RECCEECERE

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BC FERRIES