The "Thüringer Filterserver", Thuringian filter server, was set set up in March 2004, in response to the needs of schools.

Functions
The filter server is a proxy server based on the open source software squidGuard. The filtering process is generated by blacklists and whitelists. These lists are updated regularly and extended on the basis of state-specific components. In practice, that means that schools may request having certain pages locked or unlocked on the server. Requests are then discussed and decided upon. After having schools connected to that server (stationed in the computing center of the University of Jena) for over 30 months now, the evaluations show that the data processing rate is not reduced for any of the schools.

The Use
A sign up is required for using the filter server. Thanks to that identification, the use is limited to Thuringian schools only and abuse by a third party is excluded. Until today, a total of 550 schools, which represents more than 50% of Thuringian schools, volunteered to sign up for the service. The sign up form, different configuration scenarios for easy installation of the filter as well as the request forms for locking and unlocking pages, can be found online at: http://filter.th.schule.de

Since September 2004 a Council accompanies the development of the server and decides on critical requests, after having checked legal or educational aspects.

Perspectives
We unquestionably believe our service to be a financial as well as a technological answer to problems schools are faced with in terms of protecting their students against doubtful internet content. The huge interest received by youth welfare institutions and libraries confirms it.

Teachers, technical advisers, and officials from Ministries of education from other states are also very interested in receiving relevant information. They all agree with the approach of offering schools and institutions help in this critical area without removing their responsibility from them.

For the responsible teachers of the schools participating to the programme, the fact that the server is administered centrally is a great relief. Being teachers and working with schools ourselves, we are pleased to contribute and would be happy to see reliable scenarios develop, giving students the chance to work with new media and providing them with proper protection at the same time.

Jens Dietzsch
Michael Kaufmann
Dr. Bernd Uwe Althaus