What is Internet Filtering and why do companies need it?

A short and simple definition of Internet Filtering is: software solution that prevents access to certain undesirable areas of the Internet. But why do we need such solutions since we are happy with the great amount of content available on the Internet? Actually, we are talking about companies here, and they must assume their responsibility for everything that is being done from their computers.

Internet Filtering and Legal Liability

Inappropriate use of Internet resources can expose organizations to legal liability. Visiting non-work related websites inappropriate for the business activity or downloading and installing unlicensed applications can bring computers’ owners in front of legal issues. Trusting your employees is very important, but, still, companies must make sure all their employees understand that they are part of the company and everything they do is reflected into the company image. Internet Filtering software helps organizations define and enforce Internet use policies that prevent employees from engaging in inappropriate behavior.

Internet Filtering and Productivity

The Internet can be an important business asset or a productivity trap. Without Filtering Internet, employees can become distracted by many non work-related Internet pursuits. Studies shown that wasting time online (browsing social networking sites and other similar sites during the work time) seems to be the first reason for productivity losses. Internet Filtering software can help organizations limit this productivity loss by defining and enforcing Internet use policies suited to their unique business needs.

Internet Filtering Concept

An Internet Filtering application allows general 'surfing' to take place with the exception of the filtered sites. As it is not possible to maintain a database of all sites that are unsuitable and 'unsuitability' is largely a subjective determination, the Internet filtering becomes useful where general, but filtered access is necessary.

Occasionally an unwanted site may appear to the user if they make a concerted effort to find one that does not trigger the filtering mechanism, and sometimes even if they are not. There are many times when people's interpretations vary from one another, and for this reason Internet Filtering frequently err on the side of caution - if a site may offend somebody then it is made inaccessible.

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