This article answers common questions about the Misinformation & Disinformation by NewsGuard category in Smoothwall Filter. It covers what the category blocks, how NewsGuard rates websites, and how to turn the category on.
What is the Misinformation & Disinformation by NewsGuard category?
It's an optional filtering category that blocks websites NewsGuard has identified as publishing misinformation or disinformation. The category uses a list of about 900 domains, which NewsGuard refreshes daily.
Is the category turned on by default?
No. The category doesn't block any websites until an IT Administrator turns it on in a filtering policy.
Who can use the category?
The category is available to Smoothwall Filter customers in the UK only. It doesn't appear in the admin interface for schools outside the UK.
What is NewsGuard?
NewsGuard is an independent provider that rates news and information websites for credibility and transparency. Founded in 2018, its team of trained journalists has reviewed and rated thousands of websites globally.
NewsGuard isn't an automated system. Human analysts produce and review every rating.
How does NewsGuard decide which websites to include?
NewsGuard assesses each website against nine published, apolitical journalistic criteria. These criteria cover whether a website:
- Repeatedly publishes false content
- Gathers and presents information responsibly
- Discloses its ownership and funding
- Has a clear corrections policy
Each website receives a score from 0 to 100. Websites that score below 60 are rated unreliable. The same criteria apply regardless of political leaning, and NewsGuard contacts each website for comment before publishing a rating.
How do I turn on the category?
Add the Misinformation & Disinformation by NewsGuard category to a filtering policy, the same way you add any other category. You don't need any extra configuration. For steps, see Add Web Filter Policies.
After you turn on the category, Smoothwall Filter applies the domain list automatically.
How often is the list updated?
NewsGuard refreshes the list daily, and Smoothwall Filter applies the updates automatically. Your school doesn't need to do anything to keep the list current.
Can I see which websites the category blocks?
No. NewsGuard maintains the list and doesn't publish it as a static list. To check whether a specific website is included, contact Smoothwall Support.
What if the category blocks a legitimate news website?
Contact Smoothwall Support, and we'll raise it with NewsGuard for you. NewsGuard contacts each website before publishing a rating, so publishers can correct issues first.
While you wait, you can allow the domain for users who need access by adding it to a custom category. For steps, see Add a Custom Category.
A parent asks why a news website is blocked. What should I tell them?
Explain that NewsGuard, an independent provider, has identified the website as not meeting basic standards of journalistic credibility and transparency. NewsGuard publishes its nine criteria, so parents can review them.
Where can I learn more about how NewsGuard rates websites?
Read about NewsGuard's nine criteria and rating process on the NewsGuard website.
Who do I contact with questions?
Contact Smoothwall Support for help with configuring the category, checking whether a website is on the list, or reporting a website you think is blocked incorrectly.