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Protecting children over the internet should be everyone’s priority. In that regard, we want to ensure you’re complying with certain policies when it comes to purchasing equipment and keeping our children safe so you are still eligible to receive funds from the ECF.
Q: Do the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requirements apply for all equipment that is eligible for ECF support?
A: No. CIPA requirements only apply to school- or library-owned computers (e.g., tablet computers and laptop computers), and only when the school or library receives ECF or E-Rate support for internet access or internet services, or E-Rate support for internal connections. For example, CIPA requirements do not apply to the purchase of Wi-Fi hotspot devices.
Q: Do CIPA requirements apply to school- or library-owned connected devices if the school or library does not also receive ECF or E-Rate support for internet access or internet services, or E-Rate support for internal connections?
A: CIPA does not apply to the use of computers owned by a school or library, including those laptop computers or tablet computers purchased with ECF support, if the purchasing entity does not also receive ECF or E-Rate discounted internet access or internet services, or E-Rate discounted internal connections—or network equipment for internet access, internet service, or internal connections.
Q: Do CIPA requirements apply to a student-, school staff-, or library patron-owned computer if it uses an ECF-funded broadband connection? A: No. CIPA does not apply to the use of third-party owned devices, even if the school or library receives ECF support for the broadband connection.
More questions on the ECF Program? Visit the FCC’s FAQ Page
