Information Technology Acts
Reshonda Brewster
BIS/220
Craig Bialy
November 8, 2011

Information Technology Acts Technology and computer information systems are advancing at a rapid pace. With the access of the Internet on computers, mobile phones, iPads, and other tablet devices makes it easier for communication. Schools are teaching children as young as toddlers to use computers and the Internet for learning and recreational use. According to Kidsource Online (2009), “Children 3 and 4 years of age are developmentally ready to explore computers, and most early childhood educators see the computer center as a valuable activity center for learning” (para. 4). The Internet has posed a potential threat over the years to many with unsolicited spam, viruses, and pornography that can invade a computer at any given moment. The Federal government has developed Acts to help protect children from the dangers of the Internet with (CIPA) Children Internet Protection Act and (COPPA) Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act from the potential threats.

The Children’s Internet Protection Act

Congress passed Children Internet Protection Act in 2000 to protect children while using computers at schools and libraries from accessing offensive content through the Internet. CIPA requires schools and libraries to purchase a program named E-rate to block offensive information from computers (Federal Communications Commission, n.d.). According to Federal Communications Commission (n.d.), “The E-rate program makes certain communications technology more affordable for eligible schools and libraries” (para. 1). The information that schools and libraries must block or filter is pornography, unlawful activities harmful to minors, and restricts information that can be harmful to children.

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act

The Children’s Online Privacy Act (COPPA) was passed in 1998 to protect children under 13 years of age from revealing their personal information on commercial websites without parental consent (Koby, 2006). Marketers such as television, radio, and websites target children that resulted in children releasing private information when ordering products online or going to public (commercial) websites.

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