ARThe UK Safer Internet Centre (UK SIC) has revealed that Lightspeed Systems, Netsweeper, and Smoothwall have become the first filtering systems to receive accreditation under the new filtering accreditation scheme introduced by the UK SIC.
With the advancement of technology, Filtering and Monitoring systems have also evolved in the process. The dynamic and unpredictable landscape of the internet has rendered this topic increasingly complicated, prompting schools and colleges to seek more support in the selection of their filtering and monitoring systems.
Filtering Accreditation
Under the new accreditation scheme, which builds upon the filtering and monitoring guidance initially issued by the UK Safer Internet Centre in 2016, schools in England can find these standards embedded in "Keeping children safe in education" on GOV.UK and in the "Filtering and monitoring standards for schools and colleges" guidance. These resources aim to support schools and IT providers in understanding what qualifies as 'appropriate' filtering and monitoring measures.
Using these established filtering standards, the UK Safer Internet Centre has collaborated with the University of Bristol (REPHRAIN) to evaluate both the technical functionalities of filtering systems and their suitability for implementation in schools and colleges. This assessment process aims to instill trust and confidence in the filtering systems chosen by educational institutions.
The UK Safer Internet Centre has announced that Lightspeed Systems, Netsweeper, and Smoothwall have successfully undergone this assessment process and attained accredited status. The UK Safer Internet Centre is actively working on accrediting more filtering systems and will unveil additional accreditations in the near future.
David Wright (Director of UK Safer Internet Centre) said: '‘To have this scheme in place, will afford schools and colleges greater confidence about the selection, suitability and effectiveness of their filtering systems. We have seen first-hand the importance of filtering and monitoring systems, and now, this added layer of validation can support schools to strengthen their own protections against harmful online content. We recognise Lightspeed Systems, Netsweeper and Smoothwall to have filtering systems suitable for schools and colleges and invite other providers to join the initiative.’'
