AOL claimed that its software was proprietary, and those using Microsoft and Yahoo chat products should not be entitled to utilize its services. This simple act has created a firestorm in the Internet community. Largely considered an open medium of communication, the Internet has become an essential method for people and businesses to communicate with one another. That seems to be why consumer groups and several government officials appear to be interested in the recent AOL decision. Sam Thompson, spokesperson for New Mexico Attorney General Patricia Madrid, said in regard to the recent AOL action, We are a high tech state and we would get involved to protect the consumer if we had to.
Government officials have a precedent for involving itself in high technology disputes.
The ongoing anti-trust litigation that emerged from accusations of Microsoft attempting to make its Internet Explorer the universal browser and thereby driving rival browser companies such as Netscape out of business. The litigation is still pending, and several attorneys general refused to comment on the difference between Microsoft s alleged action and the recent AOL decision to block its rivals from interfacing with its own Internet chat software. However, some of AOL s competitors were quick to criticize the company s recent move. AOL wants to be on every desktop, everywhere not giving anyone a choice, said Rick Thomas, who runs Delaware Net, a small Internet Service Provider. In regard to the AOL move, he further stated, It really affects us.