Seems this stuff is now in my own back yard. If anyone wants to talk to the people involved, go here: http://www.ci.englewood.co.us/ http://www.denver-rmn.com/news/1231filt4.shtml

Englewood seeks limit on Net sex sites

Program to curb access of children at libraries

Associated Press

ENGLEWOOD -- The Englewood Public Library will be the first in Colorado to try a new technology strictly limiting children's access to sex sites on the World Wide Web. Mayor Tom Burns said the city and its librarians have no intention of censoring the Internet, and the Guardiannet program can be cancelled after a 30-day test run if it doesn't work out.

Starting in April, all of the library's Internet users will need a plastic "Smart Card" to go online. The cards will be coded to indicate whether children under 18 have their parents' permission to full access or should be restricted to the limited database of 5,000 child-friendly sites.

"It's a solution that allows parents to make the decision, rather than the institution," said City Manager Gary Sears.

However, Sears said the move could invite lawsuits from civil rights groups that may view the city's decision as censorship. The move also comes amid national debate among librarians on whether blocking systems constitutes censorship and violates First Amendment rights.

Jamie LaRue, president of the Colorado Library Association, called Internet restrictions "a tricky issue."

"When I was a little boy ...I knew what was wrong," LaRue said. "The part that bothers me is that we are using technological inventions to replace civility and conscience in what is in fact an ethical problem."

The Englewood City Council voted 5-2 to approve the $108,000 contract with Guardiannet, even though the library board recommended against it.

Councilwoman Lauri Clapp said it will give the library the needed tools to help parents protect their children. City Councilwoman Alex Habenicht opposed the measure.

December 31, 1998

-Doug www.TheServerFarm.net