In the Headlines is updated every weekday, and can also be delivered directly to you by e-mail when you sign up for our free weekly Public Agenda Alert . Faces Legal Challenge Civil liberties groups and the American Library Association are challenging the legality of a new federal law requiring schools and libraries to use Internet filters to shield children from online pornography. The organizations' lawsuits, filed in federal court in Philadelphia, are aimed at the Children's Internet Protection Act, passed by Congress in December and due to take effect April 20. Under the law, schools and libraries would lose federal technology grants if they failed to install the Internet filters. Critics say software may not screen out all objectionable material and may in fact block access to legitimate information regarding health, sex and social issues.
Supporters say the law is an effective and unobtrusive way to keep children from seeing pornography.
The suits were filed in the same court where a successful legal challenge was lodged against a similar measure, the 1996 Communications Decency Act. In another lawsuit, the same court put the Children's Online Protection Act on hold pending trial. Additional information is available in our issue guide on Internet Speech and Privacy .