Deleting Online Predators Act (DOPA)

--Became  law on October 10, 2008. Sections Pertaining to Schools

(II) protects against access by minors without parental authorization to a commercial social networking website or chat room, and informs parents that sexual predators can use these websites and chat rooms to prey on children;

(c) Definitions- Section 254(h)(7) of such Act (47 U.S.C. 254(h)(7)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

`(J) COMMERCIAL SOCIAL NETWORKING WEBSITES; CHAT ROOMS- Within 120 days after the date of enactment of the Deleting Online Predators Act of 2006, the Commission shall by rule define the terms `social networking website' and `chat room' for purposes of this subsection. In determining the definition of a social networking website, the Commission shall take into consideration the extent to which a website--

`(i) is offered by a commercial entity;

`(ii) permits registered users to create an on-line profile that includes detailed personal information;

`(iii) permits registered users to create an on-line journal and share such a journal with other users;

`(iv) elicits highly-personalized information from users; and

`(v) enables communication among users.'.

For more information see: http://thomas.loc.gov/

Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) 

The Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) became law on April 20, 2001. According to the FCC, in order to be in compliance with these new rules for the upcoming funding year beginning July 1, 2001, schools and libraries must certify by October 28, 2001 that they have the policies and technology measures in place, or that they are undertaking such actions to implement them. Schools or libraries that knowingly fail to comply with CIPA are required to reimburse any E-rate discounts they received during the time the law was in effect.

To be in compliance, applicants must certify that they are enforcing a policy of Internet safety that includes measures to block or filter Internet access for both minors and adults to certain visual depictions. To demonstrate this, they must adopt and implement an Internet safety policy. Ironically, filtering/blocking software and services cannot be paid for using E-rate funds.

The applicant must also certify that its policy of Internet safety includes monitoring the online activities of minors. CIPA, however, does not require the tracking of Internet use by any identifiable individual. Finally, CIPA requires that funding recipients provide reasonable public notice and hold at least one public hearing or meeting to address their proposed policy of Internet safety.

Grappling with the Changes

Whether your technology plans depend on E-rate funding or not, we all want our children to be as safe as possible, at home, at school, and when venturing onto the information superhighway. Here are some real-world tips that teachers and staff can use to make their students' Internet experiences safe.

1. Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) - Your school's AUP sends a strong message about online conduct permitted at the school level. Some email services require each user to sign or accept the AUP prior to using the system. The AUP, often signed by parents as well, can be used to enforce against misuse of the system.
   
   
2. Acceptable Posting Policy (APP) - Regardless of who is creating and maintaining the content of school Web pages (it could be the Webmaster, designated teachers or even students) an APP clarifies what is and is not appropriate for the school's online presence. Both your AUP and APP should include a clear, concise message that includes the consequences of breaking the rules.
   
   
3. Information gathering - If you are outsourcing any applications like email to a vendor - an Application Service Provider (ASP) or your Internet Service Provider (ISP) - be sure to have language written into your contract that states that the vendor will never gather individual information on its users nor will they ever provide that information to a third party. In addition, your school should own outright any and all data placed on the system.
   
   
4. Domain blocking - Some services allow you to set up domain blocking so that email messages from certain domains cannot enter or leave your system, and that certain Web pages are made inaccessible. While it can be tricky to ensure that appropriate access is given to all levels of users, this filtering is the type mandated by CIPA.
   
   
5. Closed systems - Some email services allow you to close down the email system so that students are only able to send email to, and receive email from, teachers and other students within the school community. This way, students gain the full benefits of using email for educational purposes without the risk of unwanted messages from the outside.

Resources:

CIPA from FCC: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/cipa.html

DOPA from Gov: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c109:H.R.5319:

ERATE