The Net Nanny interface. |
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| Developer(s) | ContentWatch, Inc. |
| Stable release | 6.5 (PC) 2.0 (Mac) |
| Operating system | Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X |
| Type | Content Control |
| License | Proprietary EULA |
| Website | Net Nanny Homepage |
Net Nanny is a brand of content-control software marketed primarily at parents as a way to control a child's computer activity. The flagship product allows a computer owner to block and filter Internet content, place time limits on use, and block desktop PC games.[1]
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The original version of Net Nanny was released in 1995. In January 2007, it was purchased by ContentWatch, Inc.[2]
There are Net Nanny products compatible with Microsoft Windows, and Mac OS X systems, and certain smartphones . Among the available features are the ability to restrict file sharing, block and filter websites and social networking, and restrict usage to preset limits. There are also features only for owners/administrators such as: activity reports, remote management, monitoring of instant-messages, and the sending of text-messages to a cell phone detailing a user's activity. Additionally, on the smartphone version, there are features to monitor and report phone calls and text messages. Net Nanny can also keep passwords entered on specific user profiles of any kind on file and accessible to the administrator.
NetNanny will block websites with social media widgets as social networking websites, therefore blocking many websites that aren't meant to be blocked. In earlier versions, a back door system existed. The child need only enter ~frontdoor in these versions to disable NetNanny, therefore making it useless if the child finds this backdoor system. On a windows operating system, if the child is an administrator or has access to an administrator account, NetNanny can be removed without any uninstall password by running command prompt as an administrator and then typing in:[3]