Inside Internet Filtering

There has been some talk that the new IE 8 feature called InPrivate has the ability to bypass Internet filters.  When I first heard this I dismissed the idea since Safari has a similar “Private Browsing” mode and it doesn’t allow you to bypass Internet filtering.  FilterFacts.org thought the same thing but asked for someone from a filtering company to weigh in, so I figured I would share what we have found.

Internet Explorer 8 with InPrivate Browser enabled does not bypass the filtering in Safe Eyes.  Since there are so many varying technologies used by different vendors, I can’t make the blanket statement that it doesn’t circumvent all Internet filters.  However, I find it very unlikely.

Basically all that InPrivate does is limit the browser from storing browsing history, cookies, browser cache (Temporary Internet Files), etc.  The idea is that it leaves fewer tracks about where you visit.  The nickname “Porn Mode” doesn’t come from its ability to help you access porn, but rather for its ability to help you cover your tracks if you don’t want someone to know.

But being able to delete your web history, cookies and browser cache isn’t anything new.  You have been able to do this with pretty much every browser out there.  InPrivate just makes that process a little easier.  This is one reason why we recommend to parents that they don’t rely on simply checking the browser history as a means for keeping track of where their kids go online.  But rather use a system like Safe Eyes, which runs at a much lower level than a browser.  These lower level systems are still going to be able to log where you visit even if InPrivate is enabled.