What purpose does the Communications Decency Act serve?

The Communications Decency Act (CDA) was primarily established to protect children from online pornography and other potentially harmful materials. Enacted in 1996, it aimed to regulate the dissemination of indecent material to minors on the internet. Specifically, it sought to create a safer online environment for children by implementing restrictions and penalties for platforms that failed to take appropriate measures in shielding minors from explicit content.

This part of the CDA reflects a societal priority for protecting vulnerable populations, particularly children, from exposure to inappropriate or harmful online interactions and content. It exemplifies how legislation attempts to balance the interests of free expression with the imperative to safeguard public welfare, particularly for younger audiences.

The other options reflect different aspects of internet governance and digital rights, but they do not accurately encapsulate the primary aim of the CDA, which is concentrated on child protection in relation to adult content online.