In the latest report from the SPLC, the Center gives an in-depth look at "Understanding Cybershield Law." It's a great read for any publication that is currently online or ones that are thinking of moving online. It talks about what the courts have said regarding a publication's liability of content posted on its site. It talks about the difference between staff created content and user-generated material and gives some advice on what should or shouldn't be edited from user-generated material.

The piece discusses everything from Cybershield's background and court interpretations to source of challenged content and implications for the student media. It really is worth a look for advisers and students who oversee content on scholastic media Web sites.

You are not allowed to use copyright protected work unless you are using it in a Fair Use situation. Citing your source is not the same as getting written permission and is still breaking the law. While much online content out there is off limits for you to use there are plenty of places to find audio and other items that are available for use.

• Policy
  When you design editorial guidelines for your digital media, create them as equivalents with your print or broadcast media. You do not want separate and unequal designations of rights and responsibilities, especially if print and broadcast content also show up on a student-driven Web site.

The 1996 Communications Decency Act (CDA) was one of the first attempts by the government to regulate content on the Internet. It dealt specifically with pornographic material found online. The act was aimed at protecting minors from inappropriate, explicit online content. However, in the case Reno v. The American Civil Liberties Union (1997), many of the provisions outlined in the original CDA were deemed unenforceable and unconstitutional.