Content filters were created to fill a need after civil liberties groups successfully appealed to have the Communications Indecency Act repealed in 1997. Citing first amendment violations caused by the act, these groups convinced the Supreme Court that the act was unconstitutional, and governmental control was withdrawn from the internet. As a result, parents soon realized that their kids were being exposed to previously taboo and indecent material, almost as a matter of course, and web filtering software found a ready market.
There are basically four ways to filter the content that can be accessed through a browser:
- Server or Firewall software
- Desktop Software
- Use of a "Filtering" Browser or Browser add-on
- Filtering Hardware or "Appliances"
Server or Firewall Software
Server software, sometimes called "firewall software," is often used anywhere a school, business, or corporation has a computer network. The software is loaded on the server, which makes it easier for a network administrator to make site- or company-wide changes instead of having to go to each computer to change settings. Many Linux server distributions have firewall and/or filtering software built-in. Distributions like Untangle, FreeBSD, and SUSE Enterprise are particularly popular. Untangle offers both a free content blocker and also eSoft, a paid subscription service, in its firewall software download.
Desktop Content Filtering Applications
A server is often unnecessary in the home, although setting up a "parent" computer that can monitor children's surfing is possible. Windows 7 makes this much easier than ever before. Usually, parents use desktop software instead. There are many options available.
- SafeEyes – $49.95/year for up to three computers
- NetNanny – $59.98/year for up to three computers
- CyberSitter – $25 for one PC, incrementally increases.
- McAfee Parental Version – $49.99/year for up to three computers
There are cheaper filters, like DansGuardian, but the price for good filtering usually falls in the range above.
Web Filtering Browsers, Extensions, and Add-ons
Usually made for younger children, "filtering browsers" are browsers created especially for children to safely surf the web. Among the kids' browsers available, there are a few that do a good job filtering, still stay current with functionality like flash, and even contain special web portals made for inquisitive children.
- Kidsplorer
- Kidoz
- Kidzui
- KidSurf
- Glubble
As the children get older and "graduate" to Firefox or Google Chrome, there are still content filters available as extensions or add-ons. For Firefox, Procon Latte and FoxFilter work well. Chrome is newer, but it still offers Blocker and tinyFilter. they give a parent the ability to block pornographic material and other categories, as well as simple ways to block or allow individual sites.
Separate Appliances or Hardware Filters
The final way to take care of content filtering in the home is to buy a separate "appliance" to do the job. Out of the many appliances available (most are made for businesses, not homes), the most complete and affordable solution for home use is the iBoss. Its size is perfect for the home, its controls are user-friendly, and it does everything a parent could ever want. Installation is a breeze, and instead of worrying about updating software every few months, the updates are automatic.
The future of content filtering is working its way toward convergence with antivirus software. Lately, more and more Antivirus suites have been adding web filtering to their repertoires. Software like Barracuda, McAfee, and eSafe have already done it, and more are likely to follow. It makes sense, since operating systems and browsers are converging, their security applications should, too.
Ben Lingenfelter - As an intinerant writer, I've found freedom to write and learn about a variety of topics. That fits me perfectly. I've been an English ...
Join the Conversation