How to Learn About the Children's Internet Protection Act

The Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) is a federal law that was enacted by Congress in late 2000. It addresses concerns regarding children's access to offensive content over the Internet on public computers, such as those found at schools or libraries. This act imposes requirements upon public institutions that wish to seek certain types of funding or that participate in Internet and technology-provider discount programs such as E-rate.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

1. Understand that the Technology Protection Measure requires a specific technology that will block both adult and child Internet users from accessing visual sources that may be considered obscene, child pornography or otherwise harmful to minors (the last of which only applies to the use of computers equipped with the Internet that may be accessed by minors).

2. Learn more about the Internet safety policy requirements on the Universal Service Administrative Company's Web site (see Resources below). Specific topics addressed include the institution's safety policy regarding the safety and security of minors while accessing email and other forms of electronic communication.

3. Learn about the timeline for compliance with CIPA by institutions participating in E-rate funding programs. Institutions must certify complete compliance with CIPA within their second year of funding unless state or local procurement regulations (such as bidding processes from service providers) prevent it.

4. Learn about the appropriate forms of certification of compliance with this act for any applying institutions. These may include a circulated agenda from a board or staff meeting with the CIPA compliance issue listed as a topic, or a quote from a service provider requested and received by the institution (it must contain information on the technology protection measure to be applicable).

Tips & Warnings

• Institutions that wish to receive funding for Internet services or communication technology-related products must comply with CIPA, or the Children's Internet Protection Act, by certifying that they have their safety policies and technology in place.
• Any institution that acts in accordance with CIPA must provide public notice of its compliance and hold at least one hearing that the public may attend in which the proposed technology protection measure is addressed, as well as the Internet safety policy as outlined by CIPA.