Breaking Free

It’s been about one year since Covenant Eyes released its Internet filter for Windows. Many users of our accountability program wanted a filter as well, so we created one that would work hand-in-hand with our accountability service. Of course, it also works as a stand-alone filter, but it is based on the same scoring system used by our accountability software.

What is the Covenant Eyes Scoring System?

Many filters operate on a black list/white list format—some sites are blocked all the time while others are always allowed. Surveys indicate that “black lists” typically fail to include 5 to 30 percent of harmful sites.

Our scoring system is an age-based system. Certain age-appropriate criteria are translated into numbered “scores” for each URL (a URL is that long string of characters in the address bar that serves as an address for each item on the Internet—every document, picture, graphic, video, etc.). A web page may contain dozens or even hundreds of URLs, depending on how many items are on a given page.

The administrator (“Filter Guardian”) is permitted to change the sensitivity level at any time, based on his/her own criteria. The Filter Guardian may also establish other configurations (see “Other Filter Features” below).

15 and Higher:

A score of 15 or higher means that a URL is objectionable—“Highly Questionable” or “Highly Mature”—for a minor to view. All levels of the Covenant Eyes Filter will block a site with a score of 15 or higher.

10 to 14:

A score of 10 to 14 means that the URL is “Somewhat Mature” or “Somewhat Questionable.” These sites contain mature content that would generally be considered objectionable for minors. For example, most sites where models are used to sell lingerie or swimwear would fall into this range. Also, many non-objectionable social networking sites, some graphic medical sites, and some image searches, etc., also have mature material and would fall into this range.

The filter has two levels of sensitivity in this range, providing a progressively greater restriction (depending on the Filter Guardian’s preference).

7 to 9:

Generally, a score range of 7 to 9 is for sites that most people would not want an eight-year-old (or younger) to see. A score of 7 to 9 can also be given to sites that easily link to such material, even though these sites may not include objectionable images per se. For example, this would include sites that offer mildly suggestive images or somewhat suggestive language, many dating and personal sites, auctions of adult material, many sites dealing with illegal drug usage and violence, hate sites, sites with adult jokes, gambling sites, access to online chat rooms, or sites which allow users to download chat software. Generally, sites that discuss problems of pornography addiction, or how to deal effectively with such addictions, would also fall into this category.

The filter provides two levels of sensitivity in this range. The default setting for the filter is at the most sensitive setting of this range, thus, the default setting is designed to provide filtering appropriate for an eight-year-old.

1 to 6:

Scoring in the range from 1 to 6 is generally considered objectionable for a child of five years or younger. This would include sites having a broad range of personal advertisements, including mention of recreational drug use, online purchases, weapons sites, sites with modest profanity, modestly suggestive clothing ads, many entertainment sites, a number of movie listings, local entertainment guides, most internet game sites, message boards, many news sites, most medical sites, many personal info sites, text and image searches, sports sites, etc.

Three levels of sensitivity within this range offer flexibility depending on the Filter Guardian’s judgment.

Zero

A score of zero means a URL is appropriate for all ages, specifically children 5 and younger.

Other Filter Features

In addition to being able to select different levels of blocking based upon age, the Guardian may configure the Filter based on the following criteria:

• Time controls: Determine when and how long the Internet can be used.

• Create safe lists (“white lists”) or unsafe lists (“black lists”): You can choose sites that will always be allowed, or always be blocked.

• Block Instant Messaging (IM), Internet Chat, and more.

• Free customer service and free software upgrades.

• Easy override of blocked sites by the Filter Guardian, if the blocked site must be viewed.

Any Questions?

For more information, check out our filter user guide. Or, if you prefer speaking to a Covenant Eyes Customer Service Representative, call toll free: 1-877-479-1119 (we’re open 8am to midnight (EST) weekdays, and 10am to 6pm on Saturday).