Topic 2: Web Filters

Web filters are a technology that blocks information that is deemed inappropriate by the institution that implements it into their computer system. Some examples of institutions that utilize web filters and why are as follows. Companies can block websites that will distract their employees from doing their assigned work and schools can block websites that are deemed unsuitable for students while at school. There are plenty of conflicting viewpoints on web filters for several reasons. For the amount of money that is spent on their use, they are not always as effective as the purchaser might want and expect. Web filters might block too much information or too little. Web sites that could be helpful to research could end up being blocked because a certain word that could be inappropriate in other contexts is included in the text. Also, websites are that are deemed inappropriate for certain settings may not end up being blocked because there is no inappropriate text that can be found on the Web site.

Web filters are used in some libraries, but there is some controversy over filters being used on public library computers. This is because of the ALA Bill of Rights, which states that there should be no censorship of materials and information within the library. However, there are also laws about the viewing of pornography in a location where children are potentially able to see it. I believe I have heard that some libraries do not filter while others do. Instead, I know that some libraries, such as the University of Arizona libraries, prohibit the viewing of certain materials on the library's computers, but there are no filters installed. This is also relevant to the social impact of Web filters because both the usage and lack of usage can bring some controversy into the library. People can and will complain about both which is why library employees need to discuss and consider the pros and cons of investing in such technologies.


Reference:
(1996). Library Bill of Rights. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/intfreedom/librarybill/index.cfm