Compuserve Stands by ?Porn? Man

Compuserve?s German general manager, Felix Somm, is facing charges from the federal prosecutors? office for assisting in the dissemination of child pornography on the internet.

The charges do not appear to relate to Somm?s personal life, but are a suggestion from the German authorities that ISPs should regulate material available on their networks.

A statement from the Munich-based prosecutor said: ?He is accused in numerous instances in 1995 and 1996 of knowingly allowing images of child pornography, violent sex and sex with animals from newsgroups on the internet to be accessible to customers of Compuserve Germany.

?The specific charges against Somm are assisting in the distribution of pornographic materials as well as premeditated and negligent violation of laws concerning writings that are dangerous to youths.?

This latest action follows an investigation that began in November 1995, which saw more than 200 sex-related newsgroups and sites closed down by German officials.

Compuserve has vowed it will stand by Somm. In a release issued by its US head office, the company said: ?Compuserve believes the accusation against Mr Somm is entirely groundless and that he will ultimately be vindicated. We plan to vigorously oppose this action.?