Communications Decency Act of 1995

To understand the Act, I recommend reading it. Until we have case law, it is unclear how this may be applied, but the best source is the act and the U.S. Code.

The Act and References
  1. The Communications Decency Act of 1995

    This is the latest version I was able to find.

  2. Obscene or Harassing Use of Telecommunications Facilities (47 USC 223 as amended)

    This is the section where the act adds a whole set of subsections dealing with interactive computer services. The key provision seems to be in subsection (d), which prohibits use of an interactive computer service to send or display to a specific minor "any comment, request, suggestion, proposal, image, or other communication that, in context, depicts or describes, in terms patently offensive as measured by contemporary community standards, sexual or excretory activities or organs, regardless of whether the user of such service placed the call or initiated the communication..."

  3. Importation or Transport of Obscene Matters (18 USC 1462 as amended)

    This is where the act adds interactive computer service to the list of ways you cannot transport "obscene, lewd, lascivious, or filthy" matter. This is also where "any drug, medicine, article, or thing designed, adapted, or intended for producing abortion..." and all the descriptions of such matters are banned from transport or importation.

  4. Transportation of Obscene Matters for Sale or Distribution (18 USC 1465 as amended)

    This is where the act adds interactive computer service to the list of ways you cannot transport "obscene, lewd, lascivious, or filthy" matter for the purpose of sale or distribution.

  5. Coercion and Enticement (18 USC 2422 as amended)

    This is where the act raises the imprisonment period from five to ten years if the person being coerced or enticed into prostitution or illegal sexual acts is a minor. It also adds "attempts" to coerce or entice a minor.

  6. THE X-ON CONGRESS: INDECENT COMMENT ON AN INDECENT SUBJECT
  7. ACLU News Release 2/15/96
  8. The Temporary Restraining Order
  9. ACLU News Release 2/23/96
  10. Position Paper: One Person's Opinion on the CDA (DRAFT) 2/13/96