Table 12.1 Technology-Based Tools for the End User
	Type of Tool Function One Illustrative Advantage One Illustrative Disadvantage Voluntary versus Involuntary Exposure Filter Block "inappropriate" access to prespecified content; typically blocks specific Web pages, may also block generic access to instant messages, e-mail, and chat rooms Can be configured to deny access to substantial amounts of adultoriented sexually explicit material from commercial Web sites In typical (default) configuration, generally denies access to substantial amounts of Web material that is not adult-oriented and sexually explicit Protects against both deliberate and inadvertent exposure for sites that are explicitly blocked; can be circumvented under some circumstances. Content-limited access Allow access only to content and/or services previously determined to be appropriate Provides high confidence that all accessible material conforms to the acceptability standards of the access provider May be excessively limiting for those with broader information needs than those served by the access provider Very low possibility of deliberate or inadvertent exposure, given that all material is explicitly vetted Labeling of content Enable users to make informed decisions about content prior to actual access Separates content characterization (e.g., sexually explicit or not) from decisions to block; multiple content raters can be used Effectiveness depends on broad acceptance of a common labeling framework Likelihood of exposure depends on accuracy of labels given by labeling party Monitoring with individual identification Examine a child's actions by an adult supervisor in real time or after the fact Rarely prevents child from reaching appropriate material that might have been mistakenly flagged as inappropriate Potential loss of privacy zone for child Warnings can help to deter deliberate exposure; ineffective against inadvertent exposure Monitoring without individual identification Watch the collective actions of a group (e.g., a school) without identifying individuals Can provide useful information about whether or not acceptable use policies are being followed Does not enable individual accountability for irresponsible actions Warnings can help to deter deliberate exposure; less effective against inadvertent exposure Spam-controlling tools Inhibit unsolicited e-mail containing sexually explicit material (or links to such material) from entering child's mailbox Can reduce the volume of inappropriate emails significantly Among users concerned about losing personalized email, reduced tolerance for false positives that block genuinely personal e-mails incorrectly identified as spam Mostly relevant to inadvertent exposure (i.e., unsought commercial email containing sexually explicit material) Instant help Provide immediate help when needed from an adult Provide guidance for child when it is likely to be most effective, i.e., at time of need Requires responsive infrastructure of helpers Mostly relevant to inadvertent exposure
NOTE: The "end user" is generally the adult supervisor who makes decisions on behalf of a child. (This is true in all cases except for instant help, in which the user is the child seeking help.)