CIPA Requirements

Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requirements do not apply for all equipment that is eligible for Emergency Connectivity Fund Program support. 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 Emergency Connectivity Fund Program or E-rate support for internet access or internet services, or E-rate support for internal connections—or network equipment for Internet access, Internet service, or internal connections. For example, while CIPA does not impose any requirements on Wi-Fi hotspot devices, the purchase through the Emergency Connectivity Fund of such Wi-Fi hotspots would qualify as network equipment and would require CIPA compliance for the school’s or library’s computers.

CIPA does not apply to the use of computers owned by a school or library, including those laptop computers or tablet computers purchased with Emergency Connectivity Fund Program support, if the purchasing entity does not also receive Emergency Connectivity Fund Program 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.

CIPA does not apply to the use of third-party owned devices, even if the school or library receives Emergency Connectivity Fund Program support for the broadband connections.

Visit the Certify section to see the CIPA certification requirements on the ECF FCC Form 471.