To avoid a threatened lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union, Kern County, California, officials have chosen to ease restrictions on Internet access in county libraries.
The Bakersfield Californian reported January 28 that all county libraries will have at least two computers, one with full access to the Internet and one with filtering software. No parental consent will be required for minors to access unfiltered computers. Library staff will monitor computer use to make sure children aren't viewing indecent material.
"The county made the right decision, and I'm sure we are all relieved that this issue has been resolved swiftly and without a lengthy and costly legal battle," said Peter Eliasberg, an attorney with the ACLU of Southern California. On January 21 the ACLU threatened the county with a lawsuit if it didn't lift the Internet filters within 10 days.
Posted February 2, 1998.