Internet Censorship and Filtering Summary

Internet Censorship

  • Control of information accessible to the public.

  • Typically carried out by governments or large organizations.

  • Involves blocking specific websites, search terms, themes, or ideas online.

  • Purpose, in contrast to filtering, is to completely hide blocked content.

Examples of Internet Censorship

  • Blocking websites with illegal or inaccurate content.

  • Blocking news websites promoting certain opinions.

  • Preventing users from posting content with specific topics.

  • Removing access to published content by particular individuals.

Reasons for Using Censorship

  • To protect citizens from dangerous content.

  • To prevent dangerous individuals from spreading false information.

  • To hide news and events from other countries.

  • To control certain forms of media.

  • To prevent people from using certain social media platforms.

Internet Filtering

  • Process of removing certain search results based on a set of rules.

Internet Filtering Rules

  • Search engines' default safe search options to prevent access to inappropriate sites.

  • Rules set by schools, organizations, or workplaces for all users within their network.

  • Options used by parents and guardians via web browsers.

  • Filters applied by governments within their organizations or countries.

Filter Categories

  • Illegal and inappropriate websites that might accidentally appear when shopping or searching for videos.

  • Age-restricted content, such as movies and games with age certificates (e.g., content targeted at an 18+ audience).