In some respects, the Internet is like a double-edged sword. While a valuable source for research, it also harbors many sites considered harmful to students. For this reason, most schools have implemented some type of Internet content filtering.
Ideally, these systems allow access to what the school considers “good” sites, while blocking the “bad.” Unfortunately, many times these filters restrict access to controversial content, in effect imposing censorship in the name of student safety.
Most content filtering systems operate by using a combination of a proxy server and a blacklist. A proxy server is a router or other device. All internet requests pass through the proxy server. The blacklist is a list of restricted sites, usually stored in a database.
The filtering software works by comparing the address of a requested site with the list of restricted sites. If a student tries to access a blacklisted site, the filtering software blocks the site.
In an effort to gain access to restricted portions of the web, students have begun using some form of a school proxy bypass. Students are effectively able to avoid the web filter, thus gaining direct internet access.
There are several methods commonly used to bypass the filtering software. The easiest would be to disable the proxy settings in the internet settings of the web browser. This allows a direct path to the internet, but most schools prohibit students from changing these settings.
Another effect method involves the use of an anonymous web proxy. This internet site redirects a restricted site to a different web address. The new address is not in the blacklist, so the student is able to access the site via a “proxy for school”.
Schools usually prohibited any use of a school proxy bypass, but in many cases, this is the only option for students seeking uncensored entrance to the web.