Which law requires K12 schools in the U.S. to use Internet filters to protect children from harmful online content?

The law that mandates K12 schools in the U.S. to implement Internet filtering systems to shield children from harmful online content is the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA). This legislation was enacted to help ensure that students have a safer online experience while using school technology resources.

CIPA requires schools and libraries that receive federal funding for Internet access or internal connections to adopt an Internet safety policy that includes the use of filtering technology. This is crucial for protecting minors from harmful materials, which encompasses a range of content that could be inappropriate or dangerous. The implementation of these filters is accompanied by the stipulation that schools also educate students about appropriate online behavior, thereby fostering a comprehensive approach to internet safety.

The other laws mentioned, such as the National Child Protection Act (NCIPA), the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), address different aspects of privacy, safety, and health information rather than specifically outlining requirements for internet filtering in educational settings. Each of these serves significant roles in their respective areas, but they do not pertain directly to the internet safety requirements for K12 schools as outlined by CIPA.