Web and URL filtering is a term for content filtering software, especially when it is used to filter content delivered over the Web.

Content filtering software determines what content will be available on a particular machine or network; the motive is often to prevent persons from viewing content which the computer's owner(s) or other authorities may consider objectionable.

Frequent targets of content filtering and URL filtering software include websites which do (or are alleged to do) the following:

• Include content which is illegal in the jurisdiction where the computer lies.
• Promote, enable, or discuss hacking, software piracy, criminal skills, or other acts which are illegal in many jurisdictions.
• Include content which is sexually explicit in nature, including pornography, erotica, and non-erotic discussions of sexual topics such as sexuality or human reproduction.
• Promote, enable, or discuss lifestyles which some might consider immoral, including promiscuity, sexual orientations other than heterosexuality, or other alternative lifestyles or sexual activity outside of marriage.
• Contain violence or other forms of graphic or "extreme" content.
• Promote, enable, or discuss bigotry or hate speech.
• Promote, enable, or discuss gambling, recreational drug use, alcohol, or other activities frequently considered to be vice.
• Are not related to a student's studies, an employee's job function, or other tasks for which the computer in question may be intended.
• Are contrary to the interests of the authority in question, such as websites promoting organized labor or criticizing a particular company or industry.
• Promote or discuss politics, religion, or other topics.
• Social networking websites.

Cyclope Internet Filtering Proxy controls and filters the Internet activity, preventing access to undesirable/unsuited web resources. Cyclope Internet Filtering Proxy is a cohesive URL filter and content filter empowering management to control internet traffic within their organisation.

More information on the Content Filtering application features is available [ here ].