On-Line Service Takes Breast Off Vulgar List

Cyberspace

In an effort to clean up cyberspace, the nation’s largest computer on-line service last week declared the word “breast” taboo - thereby making it impossible for breast cancer patients to contact one another for information and support.

An America Online spokeswoman said Thursday the action had been “an error” and promised to correct the problem within 24 hours and provide affected subscribers with five free hours of on-line time. The company’s action came after several days of irate on-line protests by outraged breast cancer patients about the company’s decision to put “breast” on its list of “vulgar” words.