Content filtering
Web Content Filter
Introduction
The University’s web content filter checks every URL request against a blacklist of undesirable websites. If a requested URL is on the blacklist, the content filter returns a replacement page, informing the user of what has happened and why.
The suppliers of our content filtering software offer a range of criteria for blacklisting, including those relating to pornography and inciting illegal activity, and we receive regular updates to the blacklist from them.
When a website has been wrongly classified as unsuitable for University access we can remove it from the blacklist. Similarly, we can add URLs to the blacklist if we come across websites that have been missed.
Further details on the filter criteria and forms to request either the removal or addition of a site from/to the blacklist are given in the Web Content Filter Guidelines [PDF].
Note that access to non University of Aberdeen web pages is only possible through a web browser configured to use the central proxy service. Classroom PCs and all PCs built by IT Services are already configured to use the proxy service. Content filtering has been running through the proxy service for several years, mostly unnoticed by users.
Checking and re-configuring your web browser
If your web browser has been configured to use the proxy, you will be able to browse external web sites. If you find you can browse only the University’s own web site, then you should check that your browser has been properly configured for the proxy service - see How to configure your browser to use the proxy service.
If you feel unable to make the changes yourself, contact the Service Desk for assistance - servicedesk@abdn.ac.uk.
Applying for exemption
It is acknowledged that some unfiltered web access may be necessary for academic purposes and, to cater for this, the content filter can be configured to permit unfiltered access by specified computers (notice that the computers must still be configured to use the proxy). To apply for exemption, please complete one of the exemption forms provided below. You will not be required to give details of the reason why you require exemption but your application must be authorised by your Head of School or Head of Department (as appropriate) or, if you are a student, by your academic supervisor. Once granted, exemption will remain in effect until the end of the current academic year, at which point you will be notified and given the opportunity to renew your exemption for another year.
Exemption application forms
- WF1: Application for Exemption from Web Content Filter [doc]
use this form if you have the sole use of a computer
Since exemption is implemented relative to a particular computer, once granted, every user of that computer will have unfiltered access to the web. We recommend, therefore, that anyone requiring exemption be given sole use of a particular computer. However, in the event that a group of students (doing a particular project) require unfiltered access, exemption form WF2, for a shared computer, is provided. This form must be signed by every authorised user of the computer, so is not appropriate for a computer in an open access area.
- WF2: Application for Exemption from Web Content Filter of a shared computer [doc]
use this form if use of your computer is shared by more than one person.
