Web filters

Internet filters are also known as content control software, censorware, or web filtering software. Filters determine what content will be available to users on a given computer or network. You can install web filtering software on a pc or on a server for computers that have Internet access. In addition, many ISP's provide parental control option to block questionable content. Filters can prevent browsers from displaying unacceptable content by keyword or URL. Filters work through recognizing websie content or web addresses. Businesses use filters for email, spam, pop-ups and to prevent employees from viewing pornography or personal email while at work.
In 2000, the Children's Internet Protection Act was enacted by Congress to address concerns over access to questionable content over the Internet on school and library computers. CIPA requires that all library computers be filtered or the library cannot receive federal funding.
Therefore web filters are used in libraries to prevent children from viewing certain web content. Filters can be disabled for adults if requested.

The expected social impact of filters is that they could have a chilling effect on the way people view and use the library. If a patron cannot access a site they may not want to ask a librarian to disable the filter and they may feel embarrassed or upset and that can impact the way they view the library. It can also create access issues as filters do not always work properly and can either overblock sites that are useful for children and adults or underblock and many adults and children have learned how to bypass filters. Libraries also usually delegate blocking to the filter vendors and do not realize the criteria to block materials may be subjective and may not be right for the library's community. Filters can be used to block political or religious content which again could cause access issues in libraries. On the other hand, filters may have the potential to block harmful material for children and increase education for parents and children on the use of the Internet, both of which could have a positive social impact.

I know there is loads more to talk about with filters but honestly I have such an ambiguous stance on filters. I just don't know how to feel about them. I completely understand wanting to protect children and youth from objectionable content on the Internet and I personally have never witnessed any problems accessing sites in the libraries I have worked in, I have not seen the underblocking or overblocking issues, not that I don't believe they exist or are not valid concerns. It seems in the library field it is just so pressed into your skull that filtering goes against everything librarians believe in. If anyone asks me what I learned in library school I can say one thing for certain, filters bad, filters bad! I really feel torn on the issue and I know there are negative social implications to using filters but I can't see how it outweighs protecting children. But that's just the ravings of one future librarian....