Internet Filtering FAQ
Internet Filtering at the Denver Public Library: Questions and Answers
The Denver Public Library values free and equal access to information, even when that information may be controversial, unorthodox or unacceptable to others. With its implementation of filtering software, the Denver Public Library continues to uphold its commitments to carefully selected children’s materials and to customers' First Amendment rights while complying with the spirit of the new laws.
Why do Denver Public Library computers have filtering software?
In 2000, Congress passed The Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), which requires libraries receiving certain types of federal funding to install a technology protection measure that blocks images ("visual depictions") that are obscene, contain child pornography, or are harmful to minors. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld CIPA in 2003.
In addition, the Colorado legislature passed the Internet Protection in Public Libraries law in 2004, which mandates similar protective measures for computers in public libraries.
How does Denver Public Library’s filtering software work?
The filtering software blocks only visual materials that meet legal definitions of obscenity, child pornography or materials that are harmful to minors.
The filtering software does not block text or audio materials.
Who decides which images should be blocked?
In conjunction with Library staff, the filtering software vendor uses a process combining technological and human review to make decisions about which images are blocked by the software.
Do all Denver Public Library computers have filters?
Yes. In compliance with the law, both customer and staff computers utilize filtering software. The Library has developed procedures to provide filtered Internet access for staff and volunteers under 17.
Is filtering software reliable?
No filtering software is 100 percent accurate. Filters may falsely block constitutionally protected speech, or they may fail to block access to illegal or objectionable material.
Will children be safer using filtered Internet access?
No filtering software is totally accurate, nor is it a substitute for parental judgment and oversight. The Denver Public Library believes that the reading and viewing activity of children is ultimately the responsibility of parents who guide and oversee their own children's development. The Denver Public Library does not intrude on that relationship, except when mandated by law.
Because customers 17 and older are legally entitled to unfiltered Internet access, individuals may still continue to see images they consider to be offensive on computer screens in areas not specifically designated for children.
Children are encouraged to use Denver Public Library’s Secret Wonder Web site, which provides guided access to content specially created and selected for children.
Will objectionable material based on hate or violence be blocked?
No. CIPA requires that filters block only visual depictions of obscenity, child pornography, or material harmful to minors. CIPA defines “harmful to minors” in terms of sexual content only – the law does not address issues of hate or violence. The filtering software blocks only images, not text or audio materials.
Will information on health and sexuality be blocked?
No. Our filters are designed to block only visual depictions of obscenity, child pornography, or material harmful to minors, not medical information or images.
Does the Denver Public Library filter social networking sites such as MySpace, Facebook and blogs?
No. Popular social networking sites, including MySpace, allow users to share photos, news about music groups and detailed profiles of their likes and dislikes. Other social network sites include Facebook, geared to college students, LinkedIn, aimed at professionals, and Xanga, a blog-based community site. In all, an estimated 300 sites make up the social network universe.
The Denver Public Library does not filter these sites because they cannot be reliably reviewed by filtering software, and because blocking these sites completely would unnecessarily block vast amounts of inoffensive materials. The content of social networking sites has not been found to meet the Library’s criteria for filtering. Most site vendors have policies regarding appropriate use and display of content and most users abide by the policies.
Parents are encouraged to explore the Internet with their children, provide clear guidelines regarding what sites and activities are off-limits and teach their children safety rules for dealing with strangers online.
Does the Denver Public Library block some web sites?
Yes. The Library restricts access to some web sites with automatic downloads built into the homepage. These sites are not blocked by the DPL, but the downloads may be. If a downloaded file changes the basic configuration of the computer or the browser, the downloads are blocked because it would render the computer unusable for the next customer. Examples of sites that require a configuration-altering download to be properly viewed include aim.com, devil.com, odigo.com, cometcursor.com, date-manager.com, freescratchandwin.com, gator.com, whenusearch.com, and iwon.com. The list of restricted sites is reviewed regularly; new sites are added and sites that no longer require downloads are removed.
How can customers request that a site be permanently blocked or unblocked?
Customers may complete and submit a Request for Reconsideration of Access to Web Site form. Denver Public Library staff will evaluate the request and if deemed appropriate, will forward these sites to the filtering software vendor for unblocking. The customer will then be notified of the decision within two weeks.
Can the filters be turned off?
- Customers 17 or older may turn off the filtering software.
- Customers 16 or under must use filtered Internet access.
- Customers using computers in designated children’s areas must use filtered Internet access.
Will customer laptops using DPL’s wireless Internet connections be filtered?
No. Filtering software is installed only on computers owned by the Library.
Will the Library keep records of my computer use?
No. It is the Denver Public Library’s practice to minimize the retention of customer use records to only those absolutely necessary for Library use. When you close your computer session, all history, cache and cookies are deleted. We will not be able to retrieve any information, including web sites you visited, passwords you entered or other information you input. At the end of the business day, all user I.D.s are purged.
Where can customers or staff find more information about the Library’s policies on use of computers and the Internet?
"Computer Use and the Internet at the Denver Public Library" is available online at http://denverlibrary.org/about/internet.html or from a staff member.
Where can customers or staff find more information about CIPA and filtering?
The Colorado State Library has assembled a resource list at: http://www.aclin.org/filtering/faq.html.
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Updated: February 14, 2008
