Internet content filtering
Learn how to block access to offensive websites
Internet content filtering, sometimes called parental controls, can block access to offensive websites. It is not failsafe but it can be very helpful.
What is content filtering?
Some people find some content on the internet inappropriate; for example it may contain images of sex, violence or strong language or hate speech.
There is no effective censorship on the internet itself. As a result, many people use content filtering software to block offensive websites.
These programs use different techniques to filter the internet: looking for keywords, checking against lists of known sites or relying on voluntary self-censorship by website creators.
In addition, some browsers allow you to create lists of acceptable sites and block access to all others.
How to enable content filtering
If you are using Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can use its Content Advisor to restrict access to websites that are 1) on a list of acceptable sites that you create or 2) have rated themselves using a rating standard and which meet content criteria that are set by the user.
- To switch on Content Advisor, open Internet Explorer, select Tools, then Internet Options, click on the Content tab and then click on Enable.
- Some ISPs, such as AOL, have content filtering options. Check with your provider.
Free and commercial content filtering programs
None of the following products have been evaluated. This list is offered for information only.
In addition, some security suites include parental controls or similar content filtering applications.
Limitations
All content filtering systems have inherent limitations and so it is important to understand them before relying on any filtering system to block inappropriate content.
- Systems that rely on lists of websites that have been visited and evaluated as inappropriate are always going to struggle against the volume of new and existing sites on the internet.
- Keyword based systems also have limitations. For example, a filter program may not know that a site about breast cancer is not a porn site.
- Systems that monitor web browsing may not block inappropriate content arriving by email, FTP, Usenet news accounts, instant messaging or other internet programs.
- A system like Microsoft Internet Explorer’s Content Advisor can be circumvented if a user knows the password or uses a different web browser.
More information
- Detailed instructions on using Internet Explorer Content Advisor.