If you believe that a library is not in compliance with CIPA, but is receiving funds, you should report it immediately through the USAC Whistleblower Hotline.
Congress intended for CIPA to prevent minors (defined as persons less than 17 years of age) from accessing obscene or harmful images on the internet while at school or in public libraries.
However, libraries only need to comply with CIPA if they wish to recieve certain federal funding.
The American Library Association holds the position that libraries should not filter internet pornography in public or even school libraries and should forfeit the cost savings available with CIPA compliance.
In fact, the American Library Association and the ACLU tried to block enforcement of CIPA with a law suit that was eventually settled in the United States Supreme Court, which upheld the law as constitutional.
Still today, many libraries do not use internet pornography filters.
Family Friendly Libraries has provided general information about laws affecting libraries. This is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, legal advice. We recommend checking the current legal code in your locality with regard to all laws affecting libraries.
