Melissa Sewell

Internet Filtering / Increasing Employee Productivity on the Internet

September 26, 1999

Abstract

The Internet is such a valuable resource for so many segments of society in this day and age. From personal use to business use, the Internet connects us to an enormous amount of information. While e-mail is the most commonly used tool of the Internet, accessing information is the second most popular use of the Internet (Laudon, 1999). In some instances, the Internet allows us access to more information than we really need in certain situations. Specifically, when employees are utilizing the Internet for business purposes, they are often tempted to access material that is inappropriate for an office environment. One option that businesses should consider is that of Internet filtering.

Parents, who are trying to protect their children from objectionable material, are those who mostly utilize Internet filtering. Objectionable material can consist of information about hate or discrimination, illegal acts, pornography, violence, drugs and profanity (Integrity Online). Besides temptation, it is not difficult to fall into any of these categories simply by a misspelling or a search on a seemingly innocent word (Crosswalk.com). Since companies keep employee records on web sites visited and topics searched for, it is important that employees are careful when accessing information on the Internet. Internet filtering provides assurance to employees and employers because they will not be able to access questionable material.

Laudon, Kenneth C. and Jane P. Essentials of Management Information Systems, Third Edition, Pretice Hall, 1999. 

Integrity Online Internet Philosophy and Methods, http://www.iol-intl.net/filter/topframe.html.

Crosswalk.com, About Internet Filtering.