Resumen
The article focuses on the language used in the Communications Decency Act (CDA) that sought to limit "indecency" on the Internet. The act was originally signed into law in 1996. In addition to the media coverage, the Internet's own Blue Ribbon campaign popularly characterized the CDA as an anti-smut initiative. When the Supreme Court struck down the indecency provisions of the CDA in the case of Reno versus ACLU, the popular and professional media again responded, this time lauding the court for ensuring free speech on the Web by repudiating the CDA. In Reno, the Supreme Court upheld a lower court's decision to prevent enforcement of certain provisions of the CDA. Although, the ruling restricted some of the original intent of the CDA, it still made history by officially classifying the Internet in the same category as printed media. The CDA clearly prohibits the use of any telecommunications device to harass or annoy, this would include sending threatening email, harassment by displaying or transmitting objectionable pictures or text, sending obscene, threatening, or annoying faxes. In its revised form, the CDA provides much needed protection to both individuals and organizations from improper use of telecommunications equipment.