Internet filtering is a euphemism for censorship. To control the information that is put on the Internet or to cut off certain sites is censorship of the Internet. Filtering the information that is put on the Internet is needed in some ways, even though the filtering programmes are not fool proof. The filters put itself between the sites that are blocked and your browser. There are several types of censorship which includes moral, religious, military and political censorship.
Censorship can occur by censoring a specific word, phrases or images. A filter system can also be implemented to block social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. It can also be used to block the download of MP3's, videos and games. Though censorship is implemented in many cases, such as public libraries, there are many ways to get around the censorship. One such example is merely to change the spelling of the words (type pron instead of porn).
Some Internet filters that can be used includes: CleanFeed, Cyclope-Series, Instant K9 Web Protection, McAfee SmartFilter, Net Nanny, SafeSearch. Some of these filters are free but the others need to be bought online.
I agree, it is difficult to exercise full control over what children get to access on the internet since they are smart enough to circumvent the filters. I would like to think that if they are smart enough to bypass the filter then they are smart enough to try and understand why they should not be viewing certain materials. That could possibly be wishful thinking on my part.
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