The CDA of 1996 (also known as the "Great Internet Sex Panic of 1995") was the first major attempt for the United States Congress to put regulations on indecent, obscene, or pornographic materials on the internet. The Act was Title V of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.

The law's purpose was to inhibit the profusion of pornography and other obscene material. This was one attempt to keep children protected from inappropriate communications. The act was also created to protect families from electronic stalking.

Even though the anti-obscene provision still holds up today, the United States Supreme Court overruled the anti-indecency provisions of the act after the landmark court case, Reno v. ACLU.

For more information on the Communication Decency Act of 1996, check out the following websites:

The Communication Decency Act

Beyond the Communication Decency Act

Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act

Reno v. ACLU (1997)

To view the full act, click here