91´«Ã½

Contact: Larra Clark

312-280-5043

Archived Press Release

Originally posted November 19, 2001

The trial date for the 91´«Ã½'s (91´«Ã½) legal challenge to the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) has been rescheduled for March 25, 2002. Previously set for February 14, 2002, the federal government sought an extension. The case will be heard in United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Plaintiffs in the suit include libraries, library users, state library associations and the Freedom to Read Foundation. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed a similar challenge; the two cases have been consolidated by the court and will be heard together.

The bill requires libraries to adopt acceptable-use policies accompanied by a 'safety technology' that would block access to material deemed 'harmful for minors.' CIPA mandates the use of blocking technology for public libraries that seek Universal Service discounts (E-rate) for Internet access, Internet service or internal connections or that seek Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds to purchase computers for Internet access or pay for Internet access. Over the past three years, more than $190 million has been disbursed to more than 5,000 public libraries through the federal E-rate program, which provides discounts on telecommunications and Internet-related technologies.

To learn more about the 91´«Ã½ and the lawsuit against CIPA, please visit our
Web site or call 312-280-4223.