The Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requires schools and libraries that receive federal funding to install content filters on computers with internet access to prevent children from accessing adult content online. It was challenged in court but ultimately upheld by the Supreme Court in 2003. CIPA only applies to institutions that receive federal E-Rate funds and they must adopt policies to block access to inappropriate materials, monitor minors' online activities, and prevent access to hacking information or other unlawful content.

1. Children’s Internet Protection Act

2. Executive Summary The Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) is intended to prevent children from accessing adult-oriented content from libraries and schools by forcing them to utilize content filtering software on their computers. This policy brief is intended to inform district and building-level administrators about CIPA.

3. Why? “ In September 2003, kids ages 2-11 spent average of six hours and 39 minutes online; this September, that average had increased 41 percent to nearly 9 hours and 24 minutes.” “ Teens spend even more time online, increasing 27 percent from an average of 21 hours and 4 minutes in September 2003 to 26 hours and 48 minutes in September of this year.” Bausch & Han, 2006

4. History Lesson Communication Decency Act (1996) partially overturned in 1997 Child Online Protection Act (1998) An injunction was placed on this law in 1998. The injunction has been upheld in 1999, 2004, and 2007. Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (1998) Children’s Internet Protection Act (2000)

5. ALA vs. US American Libraries Association challenged CIPA in US District Court Originally deemed unconstitutional (2002) Decision overruled by the US Supreme Court (2003)

6. Requirements CIPA only effects entities that receive Federal E-Rate funds. Effected schools and libraries must: provide protection measures that block access to adult-oriented materials on the Internet for minors adopt and enact a policy that monitors the online activities of minors. adopt and enforce a policy addressing minors access to the Internet including electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communication. The policy must also prevent access to “hacking” information and other unlawful content. http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/cipa.html