CIPA News and Internet Filtering

FAQ on E-rate Compliance with CIPA

Library Journal article "A CIPA Toolkit"

Overview of CIPA

On Jun. 23, 2003, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA).   The Children’s Internet Protection Act requires public libraries to install Internet filtering software on all of its computers (public access and staff) if the library uses federal money to purchase computers that will access the Internet or to purchase Internet access. Also, libraries that receive an E-Rate discount for internal connections for access to the Internet must comply with CIPA.

Who must comply with CIPA?

First, it's important to understand there are two types of federal funds affected by CIPA: 
1. E-rate discounts through USAC (Universal Service Administrative Company) and
2. LSTA (Library Services & Technology Act) funds.

E-rate Discounts
If your library receives an e-rate discount for telecommunications service only, then you do not have to filter.  Telecommunications service involves any phone line that is not used for an Internet connection, such as ISDN, T-1 or plain old telephone service.  However, if your library receives an e-rate discount under Internal Connections or Internet Access, then your library must filter.  For more information, see the Eligible Services list at http://www.sl.universalservice.org/reference/eligible.asp

LSTA Funds 
If your library receives LSTA funds, which may be part of an allocation from NETLS, you do not have to filter if you do not spend the money on Internet service or computers that will access the Internet.  

When is compliance necessary? 
We are expecting a clarification of this particular question from the FCC within the next month.  It is our understanding that the FCC will give libraries a "reasonable schedule" to allow plenty of time to comply with CIPA.  

If you have any questions regarding CIPA or filtering software, contact Jerry McCulley by email or call 972-205-2569.

Additional information on CIPA can be found at http://www.ala.org/cipa/.