Content filtering

Web Content Filter

Introduction

Following a successful pilot project in 2001/02, the University Management Group decided that content filtering should be applied to all Web access within the University. The content filter software, which is applied through the University's web proxy service, operates by means of a blacklist of undesirable web sites. Every URL requested is checked against this blacklist and, if it is found to be on the blacklist, instead of fetching that page, the system returns a replacement page, informing the user what has happened. Candidates for the blacklist are identified by the suppliers of the content filtering software (SquidGuard) from whom we receive regular updates. They offer a range of criteria for blacklisting, from which we take those relating to pornography and inciting illegal activity. We also have the ability to remove sites from the blacklist, when something has been wrongly classified as unsuitable for University access, or to add URLs to the blacklist, if we spot sites 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.

In June 2003 a change was made to the University network such that access to non University of Aberdeen web pages is now only possible through a web browser configured to use the central proxy service.

For many users, this is simply 'business as usual'. The classroom systems and all PCs built by the DIT Setup service are already configured to use the proxy service. Content filtering has been running through the proxy service for several years, mostly unnoticed by users.

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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. Follow the link below for instructions.

How to configure your browser to use the proxy service. 

If you feel unable to make the changes yourself, you can contact the Service Desk for assistance - servicedesk@abdn.ac.uk.

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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

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.

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