A $6 billion deal for internet site; At Home expected to announce it will acquire Excite

Article Abstract:

In preparation for the merger of Internet portals and cable television service, At Home Network is expected to announce a merger with Excite Inc. The transaction, which involves a stock swap and a limited exchange of board seats, has an estimated valued of $6 billion. At Home Network will pay close to $116 a share for Excite Inc., well above the current market value. This merger is one of a series of moves by Internet providers and cable television companies to position themselves for the anticipated merger of cable television and on-line services.

Acquisitions & mergers, On-Line Information Services, Videotex & Teletext, Telegraph & other communications, Mergers, acquisitions and divestments, Company acquisition/merger, Online services, Internet services, Internet/Web overview, At Home Corp., Excite Inc., XCIT

Differences over privacy on the Internet

Article Abstract:

A conflict over technologies from Microsoft Corporation and Netscape Communications Corporation has resulted from a disagreement between European countries and the US over how to provide protection for consumer privacy. European nations want legislation that would provide online consumer privacy protection. The Clinton Administration wants to allow electronic commerce industries to regulate themselves.

Comment:

European countries and US disagree over how to offer protection for online consumer privacy

Europe, Public affairs, Video Retailing Service, All Other Information Services, Legal/Government Regulation, Home shopping, Article

U.S. drawing plan that will monitor computer systems; looking for intruders; civil liberties groups raising concerns that the program could violate privacy

Article Abstract:

Bill Clinton is looking to develop a monitoring system for all federal networks in order to prevent hackers and unwanted intruders into confidential areas. The administration would put the FBI in control of this regulation. Certain activist groups fear that this system that the government creates may well cause a privacy issue among private citizens.

Computer networks, Laws, regulations and rules, Clinton, Bill, Science and technology policy, Privacy, Right of, Right of privacy, Computer hackers, United States. Federal Bureau of Investigation, Government systems management, Government computer systems