Difference between revisions of "Content Filtering"

Revision as of 11:19, 30 November 2018

XMission encourages parents to actively participate in their children's Internet experience. For many, that includes setting up web content filtering on family computers, smartphones, and other connected devices. Such filters can help you and your children best enjoy education and entertainment on your connected devices but we must stress that technology can never replace a parent at your child's side when they're online.

How does content filtering work?

Traditional online filters use "proxy" software to automatically process all incoming content. Originally, proxy filtering was used to simply speed up access to web pages by locally storing copies of popular web pages but once the Internet became more popular, some proxy filters were modified to provide content filtering. Content filters reference white lists and black lists but also automatically inspect things like text and image filenames from a web page to determine whether or not a site is appropriate for the computer user. Ideally, the person will be able to access everything they need to but anything inappropriate will be transparently filtered out..

Does XMission provide content filtering?

Not anymore. For many years we provided a web content filter called DansGuardian which was a free and readily available solution for all XMission customers after they read the DansGuardian Disclaimer. Unfortunately, in recent years that software hasn't kept up with the ever-changing and growing internet so we no longer recommend it.

What content filtering options does XMission recommend?

As of January 1st, 2019 XMission is required by Utah law to provide content filtering and/or recommend filtering options to our customers. Since the content filtering solution we provided in the past is no longer sufficient we instead recommend customers review and consider one of the many options available on the market to find the one that best fits their needs.

• Zift - Intended for families and supports the many connected devices they might use to access the Internet including iPhone and Android smartphones. Both free and premium paid versions available. Zift acquired the popular Net Nanny content filtering company a while back.

Why content filtering?

This is entirely a matter of personal opinion.

What about business owners?

Most media and legislation attention has focused on concerns about web content and children but there are products written specifically for businesses.

Are there other options?

Absolutely. Whatever you decide is best for your family or office, remember that technology can only provide part of the solution. If you do use a content filter, remember that that not only may some legitimate sites be accidentally blocked but some sites you might not consider appropriate will likely still be unfiltered. This is part of why we recommend you spend time with your children when they're at the computer. Of course, you just might enjoy each other's company too.