The Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) was signed into law on December 21, 2000 and went into effect July 31, 2001. Under CIPA, no school or library may receive discounts for purchases of telecommunications services and equipment through the E-rate program unless it certifies that it is enforcing a policy of Internet safety that includes the use of filtering or blocking technology.

Under this Act, schools and libraries are required to have an Internet safety policy that addresses access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet and World Wide Web; the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications; unauthorized access, including so-called “hacking,” and other unlawful activities by minors online; unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors; and monitoring the online activities of minors.

The Act also requires schools and libraries to have a technology protection measure that blocks or filters Internet access. It must protect against access by adults and minors to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors. It may be disabled for adults engaged in bona fide research or other lawful purposes.

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