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Senate Proposes Restricting Web Access in Public Places

Law would block federal assistance for schools, libraries that don%squott install filtering software.

By Brian McWilliams, PCWorld   

The Federal Communication Commission is expected this spring to begin disbursing $675 million to connect schools, libraries, and rural health-care providers to the Net.

The bill requires schools to certify that they%squotre using filtering software, but it doesn%squott specify which product to use. Libraries that want the Net subsidy would have to show that at least one public PC has filtering software installed.

Free speech advocates including the American Civil Liberties Union have come out against the bill. The ACLU threatened to challenge the bill in the courts if it passes.

Also speaking out against the bill at a Senate hearing today was the CEO of a company that builds X-rated Web sites. Seth Warshavskys Internet Entertainment Group made headlines recently when it posted a video featuring actress Pamela Anderson and her husband, rock drummer Tommy Lee. Warshavsky says he%squots not as concerned about the bill%squots impact on free-speech issues as he is about its workability.

%dquotWe think that it%squots necessary to protect minors from sexually explicit material,%dquot Warshavsky says. %dquotBut we think that [McCain%squots legislation] won%squott work. He%squots proposing to block content, but there%squots no mechanism to do that now.%dquot

Warshavsky proposes a different solution, which he calls the .adult act. Under his proposal, erotic sites would be required to use a new Internet top-level domain called .adult. In addition, all new PCs sold in the United States would have a V-chip capable of screening out indecent material.

A House version of the McCain bill is now being drafted, and the legislation reportedly has broad support on both sides of the aisle in Congress.