Although the Internet offers extraordinary resources for education and research, it is also host to a vast collection of inappropriate sites. While no solution categorically denies access to all such sites, Internet content filtering can reduce access to them. To help our member institutions reduce access to these sites, RINET offers an optional value-added Internet content filtering service.

What is Internet Content Filtering?

Internet content filtering is the process by which requests for sites on the Internet are inspected and then allowed or denied based upon a set of “filtering” criteria. Filtering can either take place at the client or server level. RINET offers a solution from 8e6 Technologies.

What is RINET’s Filtering Plan?

Internet content filtering requires ongoing vigilance and mutual effort by staff in our member organizations and at RINET. To guide this collaborative effort, the RINET Internet Content Filtering Plan specifies the operational requirements for RINET staff and recommendations to our member schools and districts.

What are the advantages of choosing RINET's filtering service?

There are four principle advantages to our members who choose RINET’s filtering service

1. The Internet traffic is filtered before it gets to the user, not at the workstation level. The filtering software and lists of sites to block or allow are stored on a RINET server.
2. RINET staff manages the filtering service.
3. Authorized School District staff maintain the local filtering policies.
4. RINET filtering services are included in the basic RINET service fees.

How Will Internet Filtering Affect Our Institution’s Access to the Internet?

Because X-Stop operates at the server level, the end-user won’t “see” a difference in their Internet use unless they try to access an “inappropriate site,” at which point an “Access denied” web page will appear on their screen.

What are the costs for RINET’s Internet Content Filtering?

Current RINET customers can request RINET’s Internet content filtering at no additional cost.

What is the impact of RINET’s Internet Filtering on School Districts choosing NOT to use RINET’s Internet Content Filtering?

None. Member institutions who either do not filter or who maintain their own Internet Filter will not see any difference in their Internet traffic.

What is the Procedure for Ordering and Activating Internet Filtering?

See Requesting RINET Internet Content Filtering.