Schools, Libraries and CIPA – Why Compliance Is Important


Schools and libraries now have financial incentives to certify that they are compliant with this law. They need to have an internet safety policy that uses technical protective measures to block obscene web sites. This is a requirement for any library or school that gets money for internet access or internal connectivity via the E-rate program. This program makes communications technology available at a greatly reduced cost, so there is a significant financial incentive to be compliant.

If a school is subject to the CIPA law, they must adopt and enforce a policy that monitors their student’s activities on the internet.

In addition, to quote the federal government’s web site on the subject:


Before getting any E-rate funding, schools and libraries have to certify that their safety policies and implementing technologies are fully implemented and operational.

If your school or library does not get E-rate funding for anything except telecommunications, then it is not subject to the CIPA law. Also, any authorized person may disable any filtering or site-blocking software if adults need this to enable legitimate research or some other lawful purpose.