content filtering

Content filtering usually works by specifying character strings that, if matched, indicate undesirable content that is to be screened out. Content is typically screened for pornographic content and sometimes also for violence- or hate-oriented content. Critics of content filtering programs point out that it is not difficult to unintentionally exclude desirable content.

Content filtering and the products that offer this service can be divided into Web filtering, the screening of Web sites or pages, and e-mail filtering, the screening of e-mail for spam or other objectionable content.

Also see filter.

Learn more about Email and Messaging Threats (spam, phishing, instant messaging)

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More resources from around the web: - CyberSitter is one of the most popular Web filtering programs. - MailMarshall is a spam filtering program. - Newbie.org provides a guide to setting up an e-mail filter.

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