AV-TEST evaluates parental control software for Windows
German testing institute AV-TEST has evaluated parental control software for Windows. Two dedicated applications and Microsoft's integrated solution performed best in tests.
The German testing institute AV-TEST has conducted a comprehensive evaluation of parental control software designed for the Windows operating system. The objective was to assess how effectively these programs can filter unsuitable online content for children while permitting access to appropriate websites.
The test included three groups of software: dedicated parental control applications (Kaspersky Safe Kids and Norton Family), Microsoft Family Safety integrated into Windows 10, and the parental control features within internet security suites from F-Secure, Quick Heal, and Trend Micro.
During the evaluation, the software's ability to identify and block over 6,700 websites deemed inappropriate for children across eight categories, including sexual content, chat rooms, gambling, and online shopping, was assessed. Additionally, over 3,000 child-oriented websites were tested to see if they would be allowed. Performance varied among the programs, with Kaspersky Safe Kids and Norton Family emerging as the most effective dedicated solutions.
Microsoft Family Safety, while a useful feature of Windows 10, allowed all content except sexual material to pass through. The test also examined additional features such as the use of blocklists and proprietary algorithms for content filtering. The dedicated parental control programs offered the most comprehensive reporting capabilities for parents.