The University's web content filter checks every URL request against a blacklist of undesirable websites. If a requested URL is on the blacklist, either your browser will return an error message saying that the site doesn't exist or the content filter returns a replacement page, informing the user of what has happened and why.
The suppliers of our content filtering software offer a range of criteria for blacklisting, including those relating to pornography and inciting illegal activity, and we receive regular updates to the blacklist from them.
When a website has been wrongly classified as unsuitable for University access we can remove it from the blacklist. Similarly, we can add URLs to the blacklist if we come across websites that have been missed.
Further details on the filter criteria are given in the Web content filter guidelines.
Requesting the unblocking or blocking of a URL or domain
It is acknowledged that some unfiltered web access may be necessary for academic purposes and, to cater for this, the content filter can be configured to permit unfiltered access by specified computers.
Use the appropriate link below to request the unblocking or blocking of a URL or domain. You will be asked to give a brief description of the website and your reasons for asking it to be unblocked or blocked. These reasons should make reference to the criteria in the Web content filter guidelines.
The submission of your request will be acknowledged via email with a Service Desk 'call reference number'. Service Desk staff will review the request and respond to let you know whether it has been accepted. In the case where text on the website is in a language other than English, you may be asked to provide a translation of sections of the text.
