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Internet Filtering

Filters are most common when discussing Internet parental control software. These tools are content filters and prevent unwanted material from being viewed.

Filter Types

• Client-side filters - A software that is installed on the personal computer.
  
  The adults in the family can customize the software to meet the family needs and determine what content is unwanted. Some client-side filters use a white list technique allowing only pre-defined websites to be viewed. Some use OTJ (=On The Job) filtering going over the requested website content and deciding if it is suitable or not by predefined criteria. Some use both techniques. There are programs that allow customizing per user, so you can define a unique profile for each member of the family.



• Content-limited ISPs - There are two major types of content-limited ISPs:
  • White list - full restriction - Content limited ISPs that only allow access to a limited part of the web. This solution is usually used by families with small children that want strict restrictions on web content. These ISPs offer access only to websites that have been carefully reviewed and assessed regarding children safety. Chatrooms and newsgroups are monitored. Emails and IMs can be received only from specified users. You can think about this solution as a gate keeper allowing access only to small authorized area of the web suited for children.
  • On the job filtering - partial restriction – These are Content-limited ISPs that are designed to be used both by adults and children. They allow access to the entire web except to specific content that the ISP considers as inappropriate. This solution is usually base on OTJ (=On The Job) filtering and not on a white list solution. This means that when a user surfs the Internet and requests a specific website, the ISP will go over the website's content and decide if it suitable or not. These ISPs have default settings that usually block pornographic websites. This type of filter is not as safe because the software analysis of the content is not foolproof and unwanted material may be presented. On the other hand, this solution allows more freedom of action to the Internet users.



• Server-side filters - This solution is usually used by institutions. The access to the web is filtered by the institution's ISP or by the institution itself and is limited to the institution access policy.



• Search-engine filters - Many search engines such as Google allow the user to determine security settings that can filter out unwanted material.



• Browser filters - Browsers such as IE and Firefox offer security settings that allow the user to filter out unwanted content. There are also browsers that offer plugins that transform the appearance of the browser making it child-friendly, and also include filter options.

Filters - Pros and Cons

Filters are very good at blocking inappropriate content. They can be effective tools in encouraging safe surfing. Though they may be beneficial they cannot replace human discretion and cannot actually teach children boundaries.

When discussing the major disadvantages the following issues stand out:

• Non-educating - When the responsibility of filtering is in the hands of an automatic tool children miss out on learning how to use their discretion.
• Overblocking - A filter can also block appropriate content (for example, medical content). Overblocking may be a side effect that parents are willing to bear if they highly prioritize prevention of exposure to unsuited content.
• Underblocking - Filters can not replace human discretion and may allow unsuited content to be viewed (This is not applicable to Content-limited ISPs which use full restrictions (=a white list)).
• Overriding - Sophisticated children can override the filter tool by uninstalling it or changing the security settings. Most tools try to prevent it, but there isn’t a foolproof solution to that kind of behavior. If you are using a Content-limited ISPs which use full restrictions your children will not be able to override it, but your children can always find a place (like a friend's house or Café Internet) where they can surf without limitations. This is a major disadvantage that calls for a combination of these tools with educational efforts and open communication.