Group Blocks Net Junk Mail in Protest

A group of Internet users angry over the mass posting of advertising on the electronic bulletin boards of the global computer network have blocked or destroyed thousands of postings made by customers of UUNet Technologies Inc. The group’s action has affected ads and occasional noncommercial postings. It is in effect going after any posting sent through the Fairfax, Va.-based company, which it contends has failed to adequately crack down on people who post ads. The action began over the weekend and in its first 24 hours, organizers say, blocked more than 80,000 postings sent by UUNet customers. Only about 600 of the postings were not product pitches, the group said. It is the first such action aimed at a major Internet provider, according to computer industry specialists, and it prompted a sharp outcry from UUNet and some free-speech advocates. UUNet Chief Executive John Sidgmore called the cancellations “digital terrorism.” Dennis McClain-Furmanski of Pulaski County, Va., who is a spokesman for the group that is trying to eliminate the postings, said: “We’re trying to send a message to UUNet.” It was unclear how many Internet users are being affected by the action.