The FCC is putting the final touches on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that will incorporate changes to the E-rate program to comply with the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act. The Act, which was signed into law in October 2008, requires schools and libraries receiving E-rate funding for services other than basic telephone service to make additional certifications related to the online activities of minors.
The FCC is putting the final touches on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that will incorporate changes to the E-rate program to comply with the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act. The Act, which was signed into law in October 2008, requires schools and libraries receiving E-rate funding for services other than basic telephone service to make additional certifications related to the online activities of minors.
The Act requires that applicants’ Internet safety policies include provisions regarding “educating minors about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms and cyberbullying awareness and response.” To date, the FCC has not released any information related to how applicants will comply or certify compliance with the new requirements found within the Act.
Funds For Learning has previously reported about the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act in October, 2008. Funds For Learning has also posted commentary related to the Act on its blog. Links to these items are found below.
News
October 24, 2008: New CIPA Online Safety Requirement
March 27, 2009: i-SAFE, Inc. Receives Earmark Related to E-rate
Commentary
March 27, 2009: How will you be audited for CIPA compliance next year? It’s anyone’s guess.
June 18, 2009: More Earmarks for i-SAFE’s Unofficial Certification
