Arizona's Digital Arizona Library (DAZL) program has recently come under scrutiny following alerts from advocacy groups Arizona Women of Action (AZWOA) and Pornography is Not Education (@CCSDConvo). The groups allege that the state-run digital library could potentially expose children, including homeschoolers, to inappropriate material, specifically pornography. The concerns were highlighted in a tweet by Arizona Women of Action, which stated, > "Last week, Pornography is Not Education @CCSDConvo alerted Arizonans that a DIGITAL LIBRARY program could lead children to inappropriate material."
According to the tweet, AZWOA conducted research, guided by @CCSDConvo, to "expose this grave issue," claiming a video example demonstrates how a student could access what appears to be pornography. The Digital Arizona Library (DAZL) is operated by the Arizona State Library, Archives & Public Records, which falls under the office of the Arizona Secretary of State.
The Digital Arizona Library serves as a key online resource for Arizonans, offering access to thousands of articles, images, and reference works from popular magazines, scholarly journals, and newspapers. It provides specific resources tailored for learners, including elementary, junior high, and high school students. The project receives support from federal funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
In response to concerns about digital content, the Arizona State Library adheres to the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA). This federal law mandates that schools and libraries subject to CIPA must implement an Internet safety policy. Such policies include technology protection measures designed to block or filter access to content that is obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors. These measures also address the safety and security of minors online and restrict their access to harmful material.
The allegations from AZWOA and CCSDConvo align with a broader context in Arizona, where the state legislature previously declared pornography a public health crisis. These advocacy groups are actively involved in efforts to protect children from content they deem harmful. The current situation underscores the ongoing debate surrounding digital content accessibility for minors and the measures public institutions employ to ensure a safe online learning environment.