AOL (America Online) is an American web portal and online service provider that was founded in 1985 as Control Video Corporation (CVC) by William von Meister. It was later renamed Quantum Computer Services and eventually America Online. AOL was one of the early pioneers of the Internet in the mid-1990s, and the most recognized brand on the web in the United States. At its peak, it had over 30 million active users. AOL provided a range of services, including email, instant messaging, and a web portal with news, weather, entertainment, and other content. It also provided internet access through its dial-up service.

Eric Simons, a 19-year-old entrepreneur, was caught living in AOL's Palo Alto campus for two months, hiding out at night on couches, eating the company's food, and exercising and showering in its gym. He was given access to AOL's campus as a participant in Imagine K12 program, his badge worked even after the program ended. ¹⁾