What are the advantages and disadvantages of filtering software?

Answer 1

Advantages: * most people do not want children viewing violent, criminal , or sexually explicit images and filters prevent it. * some proponents argue that filters achieve a virtually porn-free online environment. Disadvantages: * filters deprive both old and young people from accessing constitutionally protected speech * some filtering software can monitor internet use, jeapardizing confidential use of library resources by patrons * blocking software can produce computer problems that affect computer performance * it can be bypassed by knowledgeable users includ. young people * Artificial Intelligence isn't sophisticated enough to make subtle distinctions necessary to screen out only the sites intended to be screened * criteria used for blocking sites is subjective * filters give parents a false sense of security * new web sites are created daily and filters relying on site blocking must constantly be updated Source: Foundations of Library and Information Science, 2nd edition