StarHub adds new controls to Web filtering tools for home broadband, mobile lines

More controls such as Internet curfews are part of the upgraded features of Starhub's Web filtering tools. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG

SINGAPORE - StarHub has upgraded the features of its Web filtering tools to allow parents to set more controls such as Internet curfews on their children's laptop and mobile phones.

Parents can also track their children's whereabouts using location tracking on the mobile phone under the new service dubbed JuniorProtect Plus.

For $5.35 a month, the service can be activated on a child's mobile phone line or a home broadband connection. It is designed to filter content before it even reaches devices. This means users need not install and configure software on their devices.

The new plan also provides basic filtering functions - by Web addresses and 15 broad categories such as gambling and pornography - currently available on the $2.68 a month JuniorProtect Basic plan.

"Parents are their children's biggest influencers, and we want to empower them to be the primary advocates of good online habits early in life," said Ms Wang Li-Na, StarHub's head of segment and marketing.

Since February 2012, it has been compulsory for Internet service providers such as Singtel, StarHub and M1 to actively promote Internet filtering tools to new or repeat subscribers of fixed broadband plans. It was extended to mobile subscriptions in June that year.

But there are limits to what such filters can do. For instance, they may not be able to filter objectionable videos, games and apps on valid sites like YouTube or Google Play.

Curfew and website blocking settings on the mobile phone will also not be effective if the phone connects to public Wi-Fi networks.

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