Censorware

Censorware is a term mostly used to describe programs designed to prevent access to spammers and malicious web sites. Examples of censorware include Wisechoice, Cybersitter, Netnanny and Surfwatch. While censorware is often beneficial to the end user, they have always been at the center of controversy. Organizations such as the EPIC (Electronic Privacy Information Center) and the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) protest that use of this software conflicts with an individual’s rights to the freedom of expression; rights mandated by the United States constitution. Aside from the issue mentioned above, there have been a number of problems regarding censorware. These programs block specific web sites and use a language-based criteria to determine what is truly undesirable content. This may include isolated areas of speech, words or phrases. Such configuration may cause innocent users and legitimate content to be blocked, or conversely allow offensive content to pass through the filter.