A public library, the American Library Association, and the ACLU have challenged the constitutionality of the Children’s Internet Protection Act, which requires that libraries install filtering software on all computers with Internet access in order to receive federal funds. InfoToday reports that the nine-day trial in federal court has wrapped up and the litigants are now awaiting a decision: CIPA Hearings Wrap Up; Decision Expected Next Month. Even if the provision is struck down, it will probably go on to the Supreme Court.
At issue is not whether libraries should block porn from children's eyes (like they haven't already seen plenty of it just watching TV and Britney Spears), but the fact that filtering software is so crappy it blocks too much that doesn't need blocking and not enough of what probably should be blocked from children, and that the filtering software can't be turned off when an adult uses the computer. The software can't distinguish between, for example, images that exploit children and a picture of the baby jesus.
With an Attorney General so twisted he has curtains placed in front of classical statues featuring breasts, I can see the government pursuing this case all the way to the SC instead of letting it drop because it's a flawed law relying on inadequate technology.
I wonder if, somehow, the gubmint will try to equate opposing this law with terrorism?
Posted by Lee at April 8, 2002 12:24 PM