Wave Issue 0345 01/09/04 Article 3-01

*** America Online Announces Spyware Protection for Members
(January 6)

America Online, Inc., announced that it would make spyware
protection available as a standard feature to both narrowband and
broadband members as it introduces additional enhancements to
AOL(R) 9.0 Optimized over coming weeks.

AOL Spyware Protection will help AOL and AOL for Broadband
members identify and disable many surveillance and advertising
software (also known as spyware or adware). Spyware and adware
are often surreptitiously installed when a person downloads a
file sharing program or other software. Spyware and adware
programs can monitor what members type and the sites they visit,
gather personal information such as passwords or e-mail
addresses, and/or deliver unwanted ads.

To help members find and disable spyware and adware, AOL Spyware
Protection automatically scans a member's computer once a week.
Members also can manually initiate a spyware/adware scan by
clicking on the AOL Spyware Protection icon on the member's
desktop, or they can set up automatic spyware scans at more
regular intervals, such as daily/weekly or at a specific day and
time. The database for AOL Spyware Protection is regularly
updated to help members find and disable the latest spyware and
adware applications.