Supreme Court Upholds Children's Internet Protection Act

In a divided ruling Monday, June 23, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Congress can force public libraries to use anti-pornography filters on their computers.

According to the Associated Press, "The blocking technology, intended to keep smut from children, does not violate the First Amendment even though it shuts off some legitimate, informational web sites, the Court held. 

"The court said because libraries can disable the filters for any patrons who ask, the system is not too burdensome.  The 6-3 ruling reinstates a law that told libraries to install filters or surrender federal money.  Four justices said the law was constitutional, and two others said it was allowable as long as patrons were not denied Internet access."  See the full text of the decision at http://www.supremecourtus.gov/opinions/02pdf/02-361.pdf

Additional information about the effect of the Supreme Court decision will be available from the State Library and Library Service Areas in the near future.