Consumer Reports Finds
Internet Filters Ineffective
A study by Consumer Reports magazine found that Internet filters have shown little improvement since the magazine last tested them in 1997. The report, to appear in the March issue, tested six of the most popular filters, as well as AOL’s parental control features, on 139 Web sites.
Reviewers found that the most effective program, AOL’s Young Teen, failed to block 14% of the sites considered objectionable (containing sexual content or graphic violence, or promoting drugs, tobacco, crime, or bigotry); however, it screened out 63% of sites offering controversial but legitimate information on such topics as sex education and gun control.
Two programs were rated as offering poor protection: Cyber Snoop failed to block 90% of the objectionable sites and Net Nanny missed 52%. Cyber Patrol, Cybersitter 2000, Internet Guard Dog, and Norton Internet Security 2001 were rated fair or good, blocking between 70–80% of the objectionable sites.
“Many parents continue to buy these products possibly under the impression that their children are perfectly safe,” Consumer Reports Senior Editor Jeff Fox told the Associated Press. “Our results suggest they should not rely solely on filtering software to be a baby-sitter.”
Posted February 19, 2001.
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