Filtering Software

Filtering software attempts to block access to Internet sites which have harmful or illegal material. The effectiveness depends on the sophistication of the software package and how up-to-date are the blocking lists.

Some Internet Service Providers have Filtering / Parental controls integrated in their services. You should check with your Internet Service Provider to see if they offer this. If you enable this service there is no need for external software.

Below is a list of known software packages, some for home use, others for business organisations. Neither the ISPAI nor www.hotline.ie endorse any such package and its inclusion on this list should not be seen as an endorsement.

SafeScreen
SafeScreen offered by PixAlert is a real time image monitoring solution for home and business PCs. It identifies and obscures pornographic images on the screen whether from the Internet or other sources such as CD-ROMs, USB keys, etc.
http://www.pixalert.com/

Net Nanny
Net Nanny offers software it states will stop illicit material being available on a computer by filtering and blocking web content while surfing online.
http://www.netnanny.com/

Cyberpatrol
CyberPatrol is an Internet safety software from SurfControl, a world leading Internet Security Company. Launched in 1995, CyberPatrol is specifically developed for Windows-based standalone PCs to help protect children and adults from the many online dangers that exist.
http://www.cyberpatrol.com

Pearl Echo
Pearl Echo is an enterprise-class employee Internet monitoring, filtering and control software program designed to monitor and control the Internet activity of multiple PCs and thin clients from a central location.
http://www.pearlsw.com

SurfControl
SurfControl Web Filter is a corporate filter soultion offering organisations to actively monitor network use and abuse. The solution offers protection from inbound and outbound malicious content, including spyware, adware, phishing, and viruses, as well as catching inappropriate Web usage, including streaming media, file downloads, pornography, and copyright violations.
http://www.surfcontrol.com

Websense
Websense is an enterprise web filtering solution. Websense Enterprise offers to protect organizations from the productivity, legal liability, and bandwidth risks of the internet, combining powerful flexibility with rich functionality.
http://www.websense.com

ICRA
The Internet Content Rating Association
http://www.icra.org