Filtering Programmes
Lots of computers have filtering programmes (or ‘filters’) in place. Filtering programmes stop some websites appearing on your computer, even if you search for them, because they’ve been ‘blocked’. This means that someone has set the filter to recognise these sites and not let anyone who is using your computer visit them.
So having filters in place keeps me safe?
Lots of people think they’ll always be safe online if they have filters in place. However, there are a few important things you need to know about filters that mean that that’s not always true.
• Not all computers have filters in place. Filters only work if they’re been installed on a computer. If your computer doesn’t have them, then you will be able to see everything on the internet.
• Filters can be turned off. For example, some filtering programmes automatically switch off if you delete your internet cookies. This means that your filter may not be working all of the time.
• Filters only block the websites they have been told to block. You may still come across some sites that you find gross or upsetting if the filter hasn’t been set to block them. If this happens, it is important to tell an adult.
• Some computers in public places, like those in most internet cafes, don’t have any filtering programmes installed.
Because filters aren’t 100% effective, it’s always a good idea to learn about how to look after yourself without them. NetSafe can help you do that. You can click here to ask us a question, or read on to learn more about keeping safe online.
|
|
