TAG offers the following features to families:

• Time restrictions.
• White or blacklisting sites.
• Provides an informative consultation of ins and outs of the internet.
• Installation of real-time filters and/or parental restrictions.

There are two types of embedded parental restriction settings. One is a setting within a particular search engine or domain like Google SafeSearch or a parental filtering setting within Twitter. The second is a setting that works on the base device level, like the iPhone restrictions setting. The first type of embedded restriction is easily bypassed and never recommended by TAG. The second type can be easily bypassed unless installed properly by TAG. Additionally, not every device or domain has such features to offer. A filtering company utilizes different algorithms to further enhance the categorical filtering and secure the internet activity. The difference, for example, between allowing YouTubeKids or having a filter within YouTube like Techloq, is of great variance and TAG strongly advises the latter.

Unfortunately, the ease of bypass is weak for iPhones not protected by TAG. TAG is able to install a non-proxy Gentech free block, which disables these bypass methods.

When accessing Amazon via a browser, blocking Amazon Prime completely through Amazon’s own settings isn’t readily possible. When accessing Amazon via the app, Amazon Prime is not accessible and needs to be downloaded as a different app. There are no parental restrictions for Amazon. Setting parental restrictions within Amazon Prime is possible through the settings tab in Amazon Prime. However, it is extremely easy to bypass and one should therefore install a 3rd party filter to protect within Amazon.

Honestly this question really shouldn’t be in our Q&A for contextual reasons but since it’s such a prevalent question, we decided to provide a response. Social media contains a very broad stroke of domains and interfaces. From TAG’s perspective, there are 5 main concerns with allowing children access to social media platforms:

• It’s not physically safe. There are a host of adult predators trying to lure children and adolescents into unfortunately compromised situations.
• The content can be very explicit and contain adult material. Due to the nature of these platforms, unfortunately the viewer is likely completely unaware of what he is opening himself up to.
• It has the effect of setting standards of sharing which are unhealthy to a family lifestyle.
• It can completely use up a child’s time in an abnormal manner.
• It has shown to lead to general depression due to several psychological factors. There have been various university studies displaying this phenomenon.

For more information, please visit https://www.commonsensemedia.org/video/what-is
and watch their one-minute videos on an array of social media platforms.

The end-user could definitely go straight to filtering company. TAG adds extra value in the following areas:

• TAG directs the consumer to the best filtering company based on type of devices they have and based on type of customization they are looking for.
• On certain devices, TAG can secure the device utilizing a no-cost-based solution with a better user experience.
• For some hand-held devices, a filter can only be installed via a cable and desktop.
• TAG helps consumers navigate the pros and cons of different types of filtering and domain access.
• TAG will on-board a customer with a highly-advanced and customized fit. Experience has shown that a direct for-profit filtering company falls short on this.
• TAG informs customers of potential bypass issues and helps ensure a safer customer experience.
• TAG directs customers regarding purchases of preprogrammed mobile devices.

TAG uses two types of filters that work together simultaneously. There is a real-time filter which is blocking illicit content caught by specific factors, such as words and page categorization. The second type of filter is an additional categorical filter, which is coded based on the URL.

The real-time filter will not catch any videos. Further, it cannot read images that have no wording or categorization next to them. For example, if you chose not to block any categories and end-user went to HBO’s website, they could download any of their videos.

The answer depends greatly on what you utilize the internet for and how you customized your filtering system. Assuming you need access to the full array of internet browsing and decided to block certain categories, you can expect annoyances during the first 5 days of usage. You will encounter certain blocked sites that you would not have expected to have been categorized as blocked. This can be caused by some sites having dual categorization. There will also be a subtle learning curve as you get acquainted with how the interface of the filtering software you chose works. However, and thankfully, the filtering companies available today are very good and within 5 days, you will have gotten a good understanding of what categories or URLs you would like to have either temporarily or permanently opened, and you will find that getting a block isn’t as great a hassle as you may have originally thought. The speed of your device can be affected based on type of device and filtering company was utilized. Your technician can advise you accordingly.

While this is a rare occurrence, there are some sites with certain bugs that will not allow a device with a proxy filter to access them. When TAG International is made aware of such sites, TAG works diligently to find the proper solution.

Another problem is that a device with a filter cannot access in-flight WIFI on an airplane.

The current filtering companies that TAG encourages are proxy filters and the end user should not experience delays of internet speed. There are exceptions for certain devices and certain filtering companies. A technician can advise in consultation. Battery usage can be expedited by specific filters. A technician can also advise in consultation how to minimize battery consumption.

KosherCell and the KosherOs are programming their phones through a different technology than TAG uses. Their phones are more secure, generally contain more apps in their offering, will save you time, and you will experience no slowing of internet use or battery consumption. TAG recommends them as the priority choice when purchasing a new phone.

The Android embedded controls have proven to be easily bypassed are not suggested for use by TAG. The best filtering option for the Android is Netspark, and Gentech can also be used on the Android. However, either option will have cumbersome user experiences. The best user experience would be to remove the browser and lock specific apps you generally utilize via your Android.

Unfortunately not. Some smart cars are unfilterable and in general, a device with no hard-drive is very hard to contain a proper filter.

TAG doesn’t believe in policing, as experience has shown that monitoring rarely works to produce the outcome that most families value. TAG believes that monitoring features can be a value for certain aged children as a supplement to a filter.

Of course not; we live in 2019 and the pace of technological change is rapid. Parents need to promote excellent communication with their children, and always keep a keen eye on internet usage within the family. TAG is meant to set up proper parameters for the aforementioned statements to be effective.

Great question. The age and habits of the children in the home are strong determinants for how to best approach filtering. Open communication is always a good approach. Also, if you are taking something away, make sure to give something else back in return; especially if it can be additional family time.

If you are able to commit to spending weekly time as a service tech, PLEASE let us know. We will gladly train you and put you to work. It’s certainly a great chessed. Otherwise, please consider making a donation using our donation page, and please talk about TAG to your family and friendship circle. We believe every family would greatly benefit from our services. It is our goal to make safe internet usage a social norm within our communities.