Consequently, each blocking decision lacks the requisite procedural safeguards required by the First Amendment. The Supreme Court has recognized that the government s interest in protecting minors is not the same throughout the range of minority. The software is not sophisticated enough to block only objectionable sites. If the computer can be used by a minor, it must have blocking installed. This policy is like requiring an adult to get government permission before he or she can check out a book from the library.
Responsibility implies choice, but blocking removes all choice.
Ethical Internet Use Policies have proven effective in teaching children how best to use the Internet responsibly. Rather than blocking access, the children are taught how to evaluate sites and which sites are appropriate. They are given consequences if they violate the policy. Blocking programs often operate to block access to partisan or political viewpoints with which the software company disagrees. For all of these reasons, the ACLU urges Congress to reject this amendment.