Proxy Server Content Filtering for Child Browser Sessions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling content access for children in cloud-based services are inadequate, as they either block all resources, leading to malfunctions, or can be circumvented by children creating new accounts or using others' accounts, lacking effective and efficient parental control solutions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that identifies indicators of a child browser user, calculates a session score, and initiates content control actions to prevent access to inappropriate content by using a server or proxy server to detect parental control extensions, monitor communication changes, and modify search requests or content delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If all cloud service resources are blocked to control content access, then child safety is improved, but service functionality deteriorates due to malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proxy server as an intermediary component between the child user and cloud service resources. This proxy server acts as a mediator that can selectively block or allow access to specific resources based on predefined policies, rather than implementing a complete block. The intermediary enables fine-grained control where harmful content can be filtered while maintaining access to appropriate resources, thus resolving the contradiction between child safety and service functionality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If child accounts are created to restrict access, then content control is improved, but security deteriorates as children can circumvent restrictions by creating new accounts or using others' accounts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through device identifiers and session tracking that allow the system to recognize and maintain control policies across different accounts and sessions. The proxy server monitors and tracks device identifiers, enabling the system to identify when a child user attempts to circumvent restrictions by creating new accounts or using others' accounts. This feedback loop ensures that control effectiveness is maintained regardless of account changes, resolving the contradiction between content control and security.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If parental control extensions are installed in the browser, then content control is improved, but device complexity increases due to software installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent shifts the parental control functionality from the client device (browser extension) to a server-side proxy. This intermediary approach allows the control logic to reside on the proxy server rather than requiring installation of complex software on the child's device. The proxy server handles content filtering and policy enforcement, reducing device complexity while maintaining effective content control through network-level intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed computer-implemented method for controlling content for child browser users may include (1) identifying one or more indicators that a browser session user is a child, (2) calculating a session score indicating a likelihood that the browser session user is a child, (3) determining, based at least in part on the session score being above a threshold, that the browser session user is a child and therefore content controls should apply to a browser session of the child, and (4) initiating one or more content control actions. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.