--- Start of NRA report ---
9/28/2003
Internet Filter Software Blocks Pro-Gun Sites
The Internet is a great asset that provides us with
once unimaginable amounts of information. But, of course, not all information
is deemed appropriate, and many parents depend on Internet filter software to
block sites they feel are inappropriate for their children. One such software
program is Internet Security from Symantec Corp.
NRA
members have discovered that after installing this software on their computers
they can no longer visit NRA sites such as www.NRAILA.org.
A Symantec corporate official contacted by ILA staff
explained that if certain broad categories are selected to filter, it will
block sites such as ours. He said that end users can change the default
settings so that specific desired sites are not blocked. Interestingly,
however, gun prohibitionist sites such as those for the Brady Center are not
blocked in the default setting. Information on anti-gun sites is left virtually
unfiltered.
Symantec provides no explanation for this
disparity, and, intentionally or not, the company is taking an anti-gun
position in the debate over firearm ownership. Gun owners should be aware of
how this software works and may wish to avoid using programs such as Internet
Security that treat pro-Second Amendment sites the same as pornographic sites.
--- End of NRA report ---
--- Start of Symantec reply
---
Thank you for the opportunity to clarify any
confusion surrounding Symantec's Norton Internet Security product.
Symantec believes that Norton Internet Security gives
complete flexibility and freedom of choice to parents to determine what they
feel is appropriate content for their children to view on the Internet.
Below is information about the Parental Control
features of Norton Internet Security:
* When
Norton Internet Security is installed, the Parental Control features are turned
off by default and must be activated to block Internet sites.
* When Parental Control is enabled, certain
categories are pre-configured at the default supervisor or parental level, but
are easily modified. This is to provide protection until parents can configure
accounts of their own choosing for the specific needs and wants of their
children.
* Internet sites are placed into
broad categories to make parental selection easier. This way, if a parent
chooses to block all websites involving a subject like "Sports", it can be
configured with one click.
* Once a parent
chooses to check a category, all websites in that category will be blocked from
their children's viewing. If a parent chooses to uncheck a category, then all
websites within that category will be viewable.
* Should a specific individual website be
blocked that the parent believes the child should have access to but the site
falls within one of the preset categories, the parent can easily remove the
block for that specific site. Parents who want their children to view the
website http://www.nra.org, for example, can allow access to that website but
maintain a block on the rest of the websites in that category.
To be clear, Symantec in no way condones or endorses
one Web site over another, be it Web sites that may be considered pro-Second
Amendment or anti-Second Amendment, or sites devoted to other social issues
that have multiple points of view. Norton Internet Security is simply a tool to
be used by parents so they can determine what is appropriate material for their
children at various age groups. Norton Internet Security gives the parent
complete freedom of choice.
Symantec Corporate Public
Relations
--- End of Symantec reply --- |
| |
|
|
| Advertisement: |
 |
|
|
