The Barracuda Web Filter, previously known as the Barracuda Spyware Firewall, has been deployed by many schools and libraries as part of their overall policies to comply with CIPA, the Children's Internet Protection Act.

CIPA Requirements

1. Schools and libraries subject to CIPA may not receive the discounts offered by the E-Rate program unless they certify that they have an Internet safety policy and technology protection measures in place. An Internet safety policy must include technology protection measures to block or filter Internet access to pictures that: (a) are obscene, (b) are child pornography, or (c) are harmful to minors, for computers that are accessed by minors.
   
   
2. Schools subject to CIPA are required to adopt and enforce a policy to monitor online activities of minors; and
   
   
3. Schools and libraries subject to CIPA are required to adopt and implement a policy addressing: (a) access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet; (b) the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications; (c) unauthorized access, including so-called “hacking,” and other unlawful activities by minors online; (d) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors; and (e) restricting minors' access to materials harmful to them.

Schools and libraries are required to certify that they have their safety policies and technology in place before receiving E-rate funding.

Source: FCC - "Children's Internet Protection Act" - http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/cipa.html

Barracuda Enables CIPA Compliance
The Barracuda Web Filter is ideally suited to help public schools and libraries enforce CIPA policies in an easy and cost effective manner. Used in combination with the Barracuda Spam & Virus Firewall, to manage email use, and the Barracuda IM Firewall, for managing instant messaging traffic, the Barracuda Family of products can enable CIPA compliance for nearly all facets of a network.

The Barracuda Web Filter enables CIPA compliance with the following protections: