Public libraries have long been champions of equitable access to information. In the digital age, that role includes providing safe, secure, and reliable internet access for people of all ages. But with this responsibility comes a legal obligation to protect minors from harmful online content—especially when federal funding is involved. This is where CIPA compliance becomes essential. 

What Is CIPA and Why Does It Matter? 

The Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) is a U.S. federal law enacted to address concerns about children’s access to offensive content over the internet. To receive federal E-rate funding—which helps libraries and schools afford internet access—organizations must comply with CIPA’s guidelines. 

At its core, CIPA requires libraries to: 

  • Implement a Technology Protection Measure (TPM) that blocks or filters internet access to obscene images, child pornography, or content harmful to minors. 
  • Adopt and enforce an internet safety policy addressing access by minors to inappropriate material. 
  • Hold at least one public meeting or hearing to discuss the policy. 

CIPA compliance is not just a checkbox; it ensures that libraries remain safe spaces for digital exploration, learning, and community connection—particularly for young users. 

The Challenge of Filtering Without Frustration 

Balancing CIPA compliance with user freedom and privacy can be tricky. Overly restrictive filtering frustrates patrons. Under-filtering puts libraries at legal risk. Meanwhile, IT teams must manage public access networks that span desktops, Wi-Fi, and personal devices—often with limited staff and budgets. 

That’s where intelligent, scalable solutions like Netsweeper come in. 

How Netsweeper Helps Libraries Stay Safe and Compliant 

Netsweeper’s nFilter is a powerful, cloud-based web filtering solution designed specifically to meet the unique needs of public libraries. Whether you manage a single-branch library or a large consortium, Netsweeper empowers you to protect patrons while delivering a seamless digital experience. 

  • Built for CIPA Compliance 

Netsweeper automatically filters content that violates CIPA—blocking access to obscene materials, child pornography, and content harmful to minors. Age-specific policies can be applied to children, teens, and adults to meet federal filtering requirements without over blocking. 

  • Real-Time, AI-Powered Filtering 

Drawing on more than 20 years of expertise, Netsweeper classifies billions of URLs daily using advanced AI. It supports over 90 content categories and 47 languages, providing real-time filtering that stops harmful content before it ever reaches the user. 

  • Consistent Filtering Across All Devices 

From public computers to patron-owned smartphones and tablets, Netsweeper ensures consistent protection across all platforms—including iOS and Chromebooks. No complex endpoint installations are required. 

  • Centralized Management 

Easily manage policies, set access rules by time or age group, and generate detailed reports to demonstrate compliance—all through a user-friendly cloud interface. Whether you’re adjusting policies or auditing usage, control is at your fingertips. 

  • Trusted by Libraries 

Designed with the public good in mind, Netsweeper helps libraries uphold their mission of safe, open access to information—without compromising on user experience or legal responsibility. 

A Safer Digital Space for All Library Patrons 

Libraries are more than repositories of books—they’re vital digital access points for education, job seeking, and personal enrichment. CIPA compliance ensures that minors can explore the internet safely, while filtering tools like Netsweeper give library staff the control they need to meet legal requirements and serve their community. 

Ready to make CIPA compliance easier and more effective? Learn how Netsweeper can help your library provide safe, policy-driven internet access today by downloading our brochure.