Blocksi, the newest internet filtering software adopted by the San Diego Unified School District (overtaking Lanschool), has the potential to cause more harm than good. As the internet continues to play a major role in the day-to-day life of people around the world, an age-old debate arrises as to where to draw the line in regards to personal privacy. The picture only blurs further when it comes to school-monitored Chromebooks, as these devices are technically owned by the school district, yet cared for and used by individual students. Recently, Blocksi was incorporated into the San Diego Unified School District’s technology protective measures, and has led students and parents alike to question the ethics with regards to the use of the program.

   While oftentimes it can appear as if the school is being “controlling” by implementing these monitoring systems, what many don’t know is that, according to San Diego Unified, the federal Children’s Protection Act requires schools to put protective measures into effect when it comes to internet use (itd.sandiegounified.org). As one of the most commonly utilized programs, Blocksi serves to block inappropriate content, monitor internet use and reveal the browsing history on district-issued Chromebooks. However, according to Blocksi, the program goes beyond those measures, allowing teachers to see the analytics of every URL visited during class time. It also allows teachers to see every open tab on a student’s computer screen, and even close tabs (blocksi.net). For schools to hold such power over their students is unjust, and makes it seem as if Blocksi is something straight out of a dystopian novel.

   In fact, some individuals view Blocksi as a direct onslaught to one’s personal privacy. One internet petition claims that the software is a “spyware/malware that is an invasion of privacy” (change.org). The aforementioned statement seems inaccurate and perhaps a little extreme; however, it does stem from valid concerns. While the idea of a content-filtering system is nobel, the way Blocksi has executed the software leaves one wondering just how extensive the monitoring is. Information about Blocksi from sources other than the company itself is extremely limited, leading to confusion for users and those seeking to understand the program. It feels as if the company is being secretive at worst and at best it continues to be non-user friendly.

   This, coupled with Blocksi’s policy of limiting access to information that is deemed harmful, seems overbearing when it restricts keywords that are required in class to research, making it frustrating for plenty of users.  “Sometimes a video I’m trying to watch on YouTube might be blocked, even if it’s for a class or homework assignment,” said Junior Sarah Allan. So not only is Blocksi an invasion of privacy, it can also be counterintuitive.    

   Perhaps the main concern with this system is Blocksi’s ability to track the location of the devices in which it’s installed, even after school hours. While this specific part of the program exists to help prevent device loss or damage, it can appear to be an extreme measure. Another issue is the ability of the program to not only see tabs and browsers in real time, but see search history. According to Blocksi’s official website, it allows administrators to, “…have access to raw data, trend analysis, reporting, and viewing habits.” This information can then be downloaded into a PDF format for easy viewing.

   It’s important to remember that all of the listed restrictions and services provided by Blocksi apply only to school Chrome accounts and computers. Where it tends to get tricky is when a student owns a personal computer they use for school, such as a MacBook.    The lack of communication surrounding Blocksi, combined with its tendency to over-restrict, along with its ability to monitor everything a student does on the Internet proves that this software is ill suited for high school and an invasion of privacy.