Permissive Pornography: The Selective Censorship of the Internet Under CIPA

Authors

Heidi Wachs, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law

Abstract

The note critiques the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and its implementation, arguing that while its intent to protect children from online pornography is laudable, the mandated use of Internet filters is flawed. The study demonstrates that current filtering technology often overblocks access to critical nonpornographic health information, particularly affecting vulnerable populations like teenagers seeking sexual health resources. The Supreme Court's ruling in United States v. American Library Association upheld CIPA, dismissing less restrictive alternatives, but the article contends that this approach may harm patrons by restricting access to essential information.

Disciplines

Communications Law | Constitutional Law | Internet Law | Law | Law and Gender

Recommended Citation

Heidi Wachs, Permissive Pornography: The Selective Censorship of the Internet Under CIPA, 11 Cardozo J. Equal Rts. & Soc. Just. 441 (2005).
Available at: https://larc.cardozo.yu.edu/cardozoersj/vol11/iss2/9