In addition to solving the problem of affordable, high-speed Internet access, MEC Technology Systems helps its member organizations and users manage another formidable challenge of on-line computing - content filtering. Following are answers to some of the frequently asked questions about filtering.

• Q: Why is content filtering necessary?
  A: For all its communications capabilities and information resources, the Internet unfortunately is also filled with content that is objectionable or inappropriate for many if not all users. This is especially true for children.
• Q: Is there a law that addresses the issue of Internet content?
  A: There is a national law. The Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), recently passed by Congress and signed by the President, requires public and private schools that receive discounted Internet access and services under the so-called federal E-Rate Program take specific steps to block students' access to inappropriate material and services. CIPA, which has many implications for schools, specifically requires schools to employ filtering software or services.
  For more information, visit http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/showStory.cfm?ArticleID=2677. It's just one of many sources of information about CIPA.
• Q: What is the federal E-Rate program?
  A: Under the 1996 Telecommunications Act, schools and libraries can obtain discounted telecommunications and Internet services. The E-Rate program is administered by the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) of the Universal Service Administrative Company, a non-profit company established to implement the Act's provisions. E-Rate requires CIPA compliance for funding qualification.
• Q: How can schools implement filtering?
  A: By purchasing and installing a Joebox with MECguard content filtering software or utilizing MECnet's free upstream filtering for Internet access customers.
• Q: How does MECnet's MECguard System works?
  A: Click here for the MECguard v2.2 Spec Sheet.
• Q: What is the Joebox?
  A: Joebox is a your all-in-one network security solution. The Joebox provides best in class firewall, VPN server, and optional content filtering utilizing MECguard. The Joebox is built on network grade solid-state hardware with no spinning media. For more information, click here for the Joebox.
• Q: Is MECguard compliant with CIPA?
  A: Yes, MECguard is fully compliant with CIPA requirements.
  Click here to see MECnet's CIPA Certification (PDF).