A federal court took the side of Fox Television in a decision to disregard an indecency policy previously employed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The policy enforced fines and penalties for networks that aired expletives.

After four of Fox Televisions networks, namely ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC, filed the lawsuit against the FCC the policy was sent back to the commission for revision. The case brought against the FCC questioned whether the policy infringed upon Constitutional rights. The ruling decreed the revised policy must not clash with the First Amendment right of free speech.

The FCC is currently under the revision process though the judges in the case doubt the possibility of adjusting the policy so it does not violate free speech.

The appeals court also addressed the subject of individual responsibility in the matter and even referenced the technology available today to allow parents and other citizens to perform their own censorship.