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FCC Gives Public Libraries a Year to Install Filters per CIPAThe Federal Communications Commission has given public libraries seeking e-rate discounts in FY 2003 until July 1, 2004, to certify that they are filtering Internet access, and that they have “implemented a procedure for unblocking the filter” at an adult’s request. Members of consortia receiving the e-rate must also use blocking software or forfeit their portion of the funds.Issued July 24, the FCC order was written to implement the Children’s Internet Protection Act, whose constitutionality the Supreme Court upheld June 23. Under CIPA and its companion statute, the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act, school and public libraries must certify that they have an Internet safety policy that includes “the use of a technology protection measure, including filtering software,” to shield patrons under 18 from “inappropriate material on the Internet,” as well as preventing the “unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors.” ALA did not challenge the school-library provision, which has been in effect since FY 2001. Public libraries that won’t filter but were deemed eligible for the e-rate prior to the Supreme Court decision can keep funds they received between July 1 and the order’s effective date, which ALA’s Washington Office explained will be the date that the FCC order appears in the Congressional Record. The Washington Office also cautioned FY 2003 e-rate applicants to submit the appropriate revised form(s), which are appended to the FCC order. Posted July 28, 2003. |
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