Do You Want To Filter What Appears on Websites?

The Difference Between Web Filtering and Internet Blocking

Unlike Internet Blocking, also known as website blocking or URL blocking, web filtering software products provide additional content filtering for approved web pages that may show inappropriate ads, videos, special offers, or any other type of content. It is an often overlooked part of the parental control filter:

Content-control software, also known as censorware or web filtering software, is a term for software designed and optimized for controlling what content is permitted to a reader, especially when it is used to restrict material delivered over the Web. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_filtering)

An example of this might be found on a movie review website. The website itself may be perfectly okay and pass the standard Internet and web blocking filters.

However, the same website could provide reviews for movies such as The 40 Year Old Virgin and Zack and Miri Make a Porno. Land on these pages, and it is possible for your children to be exposed to potential materials you feel should be blocked from their view.

Internet Filter for Advertising Technology

Have you ever done a search for something, let's use "cruises" as an example, and for the next few days it seems like all the ads you see on the Internet are related to cruises? If if the website you are visiting has nothing to do with cruises, or you are no longer interested in cruises, these ads will still appear.

The technique is called advertising retargeting, designed to match ads to your latest browsing interests, and get you back to their cruising website. It is possible for inappropriate content to follow your children's browsing history too. A web content filter helps you prevent this type of exposure to your kids online surfing experience.

Website Filters for File Sharing Websites

One of the places these inappropriate ads appear quite often are on file sharing websites, and torrent (a data file that downloads movies software, and music) websites. While it is possible to block file sharing websites, torrent websites can be overlooked.

For the most part, when you block Internet access to unapproved websites, you are taking the biggest step in protecting your kids online surfing experience. Web filtering is like an extra insurance policy for any content that may get through by mistake.

Overall, today's web filtering and Internet Blocking software is very capable and has evolved at super speeds over the years. Automatic updates of new, potentially unwanted material is routine.

In 1999, Senator John McCain of Arizona introduced a bill to the US Senate called the Children's Internet Protection Act. Signed by President Bill Clinton in 2000, it required schools and public libraries to use web filtering technology in exchange for consideration of continued federal funding.

Today, all parents benefit from the advancement in technology to keep the Internet safe for our children.