The FEPP conducted a survey in 2001 which revealed that online monitoring software, including Net Nanny, SurfWatch, and Cybersitter, cast too broad a net and often blocked legitimate educational websites in their attempts to censor material from youths. In 2003, the organization assisted 33 academics in filing a friend-of-the-court brief challenging a law which restricted the sale of violent video games to minors. In coordination with the Brennan Center for Justice, the FEPP released a public policy report in 2006 on the inefficiency of Internet filtering; the report concluded that freedom of expression was harmed by such online censorship activity. In 2007, the FEPP became an independent organization.
A 2001 survey conducted by the organization found that popular online filters including Net Nanny, SurfWatch, and Cybersitter had significant problems, and blocked legitimate websites, including the website of US Congressman Richard Armey because his site included his nickname, "Dick".[10] The University of Kansas Archie R. Dykes Medical Library was blocked by SurfWatch because the word "dykes" appeared on the site.[10] In 2003, Stephanie Greist served as communications director for the Free Expression Policy Project.[4]
In 2003, the Free Expression Policy Project assisted 33 academics specializing in journalism, with filing a friend-of-the-court brief challenging a law which restricted the sale of violent video games to youths.[11] In 2004 the organization operated at the National Coalition Against Censorship.[12][13] In 2005 the organization was part of the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University Law School.[14][15][16] Within the Brennan Center for Justice, the FEPP operated through the Democracy Program at the law school.[17] In 2006 the organization, in collaboration with the Brennan Center for Justice, released a report on the inefficiency of Internet filtering.[18] The 87-page report concluded that academic-based censorship of material on the Internet was far too broad and harmed free expression of ideas.[18] The FEPP became independent from both the National Coalition Against Censorship and the Brennan Center for Justice in 2007.[6]
^Gaetano, Chris (July 9, 2004). "Analysis: FCC rekindles focus on indecency". UPI Perspectives. United Press International.
^ ab"Civil liberties lawyer Marjorie Heins will deliver U-M lecture on academic and intellectual freedom". State News Service. InfoTrac. October 8, 2013.
^"Indecency fine zips lips on TV programs". The Palm Beach Post. June 13, 2006. p. 8D; Section: Business News.
^ abcHafner, Katie (June 5, 2003). "On Video Games, The Jury Is Out And Confused". The New York Times. p. G1; Section: Business News.
^ abCarroll, Brian (2010). Writing for Digital Media. Routledge. p. 294. ISBN978-0-415-99201-5.
^"That's indecent! (or is it?); For TV and radio, FCC must decide how far is too far". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. April 2, 2006. p. C1.
^ abRowan, David (December 30, 2004). "Keep your children safe on the superhighway; Cover Story". The Times. London, England. p. 4.
^Shinkle, Peter (June 4, 2003). "Violent video games gain victory in court". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. A1.
^Kloer, Phil (February 4, 2004). "Context drives result when TV dares to bare". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Atlanta, Georgia. p. A1.
^Bourge, Christian (May 20, 2004). "Analysis: Clearplay or censorship?". UPI Perspectives. United Press International.
^Sherman, Mark (May 6, 2005). "Pornography peddlers find business under legal attack; White House steps up prosecution of obscenity with new Justice unit". The Record. Bergen County, New Jersey. Associated Press. p. A29.