Communications Decency Act. Passed in 1996; key portion struck down by the Supreme Court in 1997 as unconstitutional. The law made it a crime to put adult-oriented material online where children can find it. The high court ruled that the law was too vague and trampled on adults' rights.

[bul]Child Online Protection Act. Congress narrowed the restrictions to commercial Web sites and defined indecency more specifically. Sites must collect a credit card number or other proof of age before allowing Internet users to view material deemed "harmful to minors." A federal appeals court barred enforcement, saying the standards are so broad and vague that the 1998 law is probably unconstitutional. Supreme Court heard arguments on Wednesday and is expected to rule next year.

[bul]Children's Internet Protection Act. The law, passed in 2000, requires schools and libraries to block access to pornography through software filters if they receive federal funds. Critics complain filters are inexact and can inadvertently block access to important information on health, sexuality and social issues. A trial is scheduled for March 25 in US District Court in Philadelphia.