Final answer:
Legislation banning companies from showing obscene images online addresses policy concerns related to the protection of minors from adult and violent content, while also navigating the complexities of freedom of expression and communication privacy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The policy concern addressed by legislation banning companies from showing obscene images online revolves around the need to protect children and the general public from exposure to adult and violent content. Instances such as the Communications Decency Act (CDA) of 1995 highlight efforts to criminalize the transmission of 'indecent material' to minors over the Internet, facing up to two years in prison and a fine of $250,000. However, this act was declared unconstitutional due to issues such as not being content neutral, being too vague, and not being the least drastic means to prevent minors from accessing indecent material. The Children's Internet Protection Act requires certain institutions to filter or block access to obscene material for minors. These legislative actions demonstrate the balancing act between protecting public morality and upholding freedom of expression and privacy of communications.