Hello, my name is Shayne Wagley, and I'm with the WebTV Networks Compliance Department. The Compliance Department was created to ensure that WebTV Networks' online communication remains enjoyable for everyone. I'd like to share with you a bit about the legal side of interacting online.

As a WebTV subscriber, you agreed to comply with the Terms of Service (TOS) when you registered for the WebTV Network. The purpose of the TOS is to create an informative and safe community for all subscribers; therefore everyone should review the TOS guidelines from time to time. It contains great information about issues such as harassment and unsolicited advertisement, and it clarifies our policies about being respectful while online.

The Compliance Department is the first to receive complaints regarding subscribers who violate the TOS. One of the questions I occasionally receive is "What do you do when someone sends me inappropriate email?" We take these matters very seriously. We will take appropriate action if we are notified that one of our subscribers has sent an inappropriate email message. An inappropriate email message is any form of communication that violates your agreement under the TOS. Inappropriate use of your email privilege can be a very serious matter. Ultimately, it can result in the loss of your right to use the WebTV Network service. Keep in mind that the policies that are discussed in this article reflect only a portion of what is included and agreed to in the TOS and be aware that WebTV Networks may make changes to it from time to time. To locate the TOS, you can also always select the WebTV logo on the upper left-hand corner of the Home page.

The majority of the complaints we receive fall under the category of Disallowed Behaviors and Network Conduct and Proper Language located on the WebTV Terms of Service page. In this section, the subscriber has agreed not to use the WebTV Network or its services:

(i) to make unauthorized attempts to access, use or change or disrupt the systems, networks or accounts of others;

(ii) to use vulgarity and profanity within email to persons (not personally known or who do not specifically consent to such email), chat groups or within users names;

(iii) to send unsolicited messages, chain letters, surveys, advertising or promotional materials to third parties or to spam this or other services or to send email for any purpose other than personal communication;

(iv) to disrupt, harass, defame, embarrass, threaten, cause discomfort to or become offensive to another person using the WebTV Network or the Internet.

(v) to attempt to engage any minor in any context not specifically approved by the minor's parent or guardian;

(vi) unauthorized usage or transmissions of email or chat which contain admissions of illegal behavior, pornography or other illicit information;

(vii) falsely purport to be a WebTV Networks employee or agent.