Content blocked by internet filters typically includes websites or online materials deemed inappropriate or harmful. Examples encompass websites promoting hate speech, violence, or illegal activities, as well as those hosting phishing scams or malware. Specific types of content, such as pornography or gambling sites, are also frequently targeted depending on the filter’s configuration.
Filtering serves various purposes, from protecting children from inappropriate content to enhancing productivity in work environments by restricting access to distracting websites. Historically, content filtering emerged alongside the growth of the internet itself, initially focusing on blocking explicit content. Over time, filtering evolved to address broader concerns such as security threats and information control, leading to the development of sophisticated filtering technologies and strategies employed by governments, organizations, and individuals alike.
