Censorware is a term used to describe content filtering software by its opponents. They point out that content filtering software acts as an effective restraint on speech, and that government-driven mandatory installation of content filtering software is equivalent to censorship.
Censorware is often proposed as a solution to the problem of hate speech on the Internet. Opponents of censorware point out that these tools not only block other content in addition to hate speech, either unintentionally, or as part of the political agenda of the manufacturers of the content filtering software, but also fail to block all the hate speech. Censorware is also used to block Internet access entirely, usually as punishment.
A good example of this is the simple-minded approach where filtering of all sites containing the word "breast", in the belief that this word can only be mentioned in a sexual context, has the consequence of blocking sites that discuss breast cancer, women's clothing, or chicken recipes.
Similarly, over-zealous attempts to block the word "sex" would end up blocking "Essex" and "Sussex".
Some censorware companies argue that their filtering criteria are backed by intensive manual checking. Opponents of these companies argue that doing the required filtering, even in principle, would require resources greater than these companies' income, and that these claims cannot be true.
Censorware has its uses. It can be used to filter pornography and other inappropriate content in private and public institutions such as libraries, schools, and even in the home when deemed necessary by parents. Many examples of use can be found in the feedback for Dan's Guardian, for example. Dan's Guardian also demonstrates another use of content filtering when coupled with third party modules to add the ability to block malware such as computer viruses.
Those who believe censorware is useful may still not agree with certain uses of it, or with mandatory general regulation of information. For example, many would likely disapprove of filtering content advocating or opposing certain viewpoints on moral or political issues, turning the filtering process itself into propaganda. It may also be unacceptable to many for such software to be mandatorily deployed by ISPs, either by law or by decision of the ISP, without allowing the user to disable the filtering for their connection.
Content filtering software products
- Cyber Patrol
- Dan's Guardian
- X-Stop
- WebSENSE
- iPrism
- WeBlocker
- NetNanny
- Internet GuardDog
- SonicWALL
See also
External links
Content filtering software products
Antifiltering technologies
- Safeweb's Triangle Boy - Purchased in 2003 by Symantec. No longer active.
Opinions for and against censorware
