CIPA

CIPA stands for the Children’s Internet Protection Act, a United States federal law enacted in 2000 as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act. It governs Internet access for minors in schools and libraries that participate in the federal E-rate program, which provides discounts for telecommunications and Internet services. The act is codified in various sections of the U.S. Code and has been implemented through regulations administered by the FCC and the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC).

The primary requirements of CIPA include the adoption of an Internet safety policy by schools and libraries, with measures to block or filter Internet access to content that is deemed harmful to minors. In addition to filtering, CIPA requires monitoring of online activities of minors and the provision of education to students about safe online behavior and digital citizenship. Staff training on Internet safety and the policy’s implementation is also required. The policy must be in place in order for institutions to receive E-rate discounts.

CIPA permits certain exemptions, such as temporarily disabling filtering for bona fide research or for adults, in accordance with the institution’s policy. Compliance with CIPA is tied to eligibility for E-rate support; failure to comply can result in the loss of discounts or other penalties. The act is enforced by the FCC with oversight from the Universal Service Administrative Company.

Impact and debate around CIPA center on balancing child safety with access to information. Supporters argue it protects children from harmful material, while critics point to overblocking and potential encroachment on First Amendment concerns and library access to information.