VA Lawmakers Push for Filtering Software on Public Computers

RICHMOND, Va. – Lawmakers in Virginia are considering two bills that would require all public libraries to install filters on computers to screen out websites with sexually explicit content and other material deemed harmful to minors.

The House bill's author, Del. Samuel Nixon, said the legislation is necessary to protect children from accidentally downloading pornography while using the Internet at libraries. Nixon’s bill is almost identical to one filed by Virginia state Sen. Mark Obenshain.

Opponents argue that such legislation amounts to censorship and relies on imperfect technology that will block legitimate sites, especially those providing gay and lesbian community news and information.

The danger, according to Carolyn Caywood, intellectual freedom counselor for The American Library Association, is that software companies could base their selection of URLs and search terms they consider inappropriate on personal political, social and religious views.

For example, many filters block sites dealing with the human body, AIDS, birth control and gay rights.

Nixon admits the bill does not specify what constitutes “material deemed harmful to minors.”

Nixon unveiled his plan to introduce the bill at a Monday press conference sponsored by the Family Foundation, a group that also backs a state constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. Nixon filed a similar bill last session that was killed in committee.

A 2000 federal law required public libraries to put Internet anti-pornography filters on computers as a condition for receiving federal funding. The U.S. Supreme Court in 2003 upheld the constitutionality of the law.

The American Library Association opposed the federal law on the grounds that software companies that produce the filtering technology keep their lists of blocked terms secret.

Caywood points out that the state’s library system already offers visitors the option to use computers with Internet filters as well as specially designated, kid-friendly systems that only allow access to a limited number of pre-approved sites, such as Disney.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

WannaCollab Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

WannaCollab has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

UK Lawmaker Calls for Appointment of 'Porn Minister'

Baroness Gabrielle Bertin, the Conservative member of Parliament who recently convened a new anti-pornography task force, is calling for the appointment of a “minister for porn,” according to British news outlet The Guardian.

FSC Toasts Jeffrey Douglas for 30 Years of Service

n the very same evening when the adult industry was hit hard by the Supreme Court ruling supporting Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181, members of the Free Speech Coalition board, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate Jeffrey Douglas’ 30 years as board chair — a fitting reflection of his reputation as an eternal optimist.

TTS Opens UK Testing Location

Talent Testing Service (TTS) has opened a new U.K. location in Ware, Hertfordshire.

FSC: Age-Verification Laws Go Into Effect in South Dakota, Georgia, Wyoming on July 1

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published a statement regarding new age verification laws set to go into effect tomorrow in South Dakota, Georgia, and Wyoming.

FSC Responds to Supreme Court Decision on Texas AV Law

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has released a statement responding to last week's Supreme Court decision on FSC v. Paxton, the Texas age verification law.

Show More