What Is a Kosher Mobile Internet Filter?

• Kosher Internet Filter – Everything You Need to Know
• Best Internet Filter Programs
• 10 Best Phones to Connect to an Internet Filter
• Kosher Phone vs. Kosher Filter
• Can You Get Around Kosher Filter?
• When Is the Right Time for Kosher Mobile Internet Filter?

Do you know about kosher phones? These devices don’t have internet connection capabilities and often can only be used for voice calls. The Haredi Jewish community popularized this type of mobile phone, hence the name. If you’re interested in learning more about kosher phones, follow the link.

However, there’s another way to protect yourself and your loved ones from inappropriate internet content. A kosher mobile internet filter is a type of software you can install to help you curate the content you see.

In this article, we’ll talk about how this type of internet filter works and list a few great options. We’ll also suggest several excellent smartphones that are compatible with kosher internet filters.

Kosher Internet Filter – Everything You Need to Know

It’s fair to say that having access to the world at your fingertips comes with specific problems. The internet is undoubtedly one of the most incredible things as well. We get to Google search anything and learn and see things we otherwise wouldn’t experience.

The Internet connects us to people on the other side of the planet instantly. These are all amazing achievements, but it would be naive to say that, if not careful, you can be exposed to harmful content too. Parents, in particular, are worried about their kids using devices without any filter.

It’s not just about the potential harm. Businesses use internet filters to ensure the work productivity of their employees. However, when talking about a kosher mobile internet filter, we’re specifically referring to programs that can be installed on a mobile device.

Members of the Haredi Jewish community use these filters to “guard their eyes” by filtering content or by blocking specific words or phrases. Some of these filters are only available for Windows computers. However, some companies extend them to mobile devices.

When you install a kosher mobile internet filter on your smartphone, you can block specific websites or entire categories of websites. For example, you can block anything related to death or gore, gambling, drugs, pornography, weapons, tobacco, or even suicide.

It’s important to point out that no internet filter will eliminate 100% of unwanted content, regardless of how well it works. Still, many of them do a pretty good job at keeping the problematic content at bay.

Best Internet Filter Programs

In the following section, we’ll introduce five internet filters and tell you about their prominent features. Some filters are indeed kosher, as they have been designed with the needs of religious communities in mind.

Others focus on the need of the parents to protect their kids. Either way, they provide the same purpose, as long as you set them up according to your needs.

1. GenTech Solution

This kosher mobile internet filter is different from most other filters in two specific ways. First, this is one of the most effective internet filters created for religious communities. Unlike many other filters that merely focus on black and white website lists, GenTech uses filtering in real-time.

The company uses an AI-powered filter to scan pages and determine what content is acceptable. It even blocks objectionable images on the page while leaving it open. That means YouTube, Facebook, and even Google Image search features won’t be blocked but heavily filtered.

GenTech utilizes cloud-filter technology, so you can install the filter on one device where all the changes can be made. You also need to install a light GenTech app on your phone which links to the filter.

 There is a free version of the app, but all it does is block all internet traffic. Their Pro plan starts from $38.97, is available on all devices, and offers excellent customization options.

2. Netspark

Netspark is another widely used internet filter in the Jewish community and beyond. The company has three basic plans; Netspark for Computer, Netspark for Organizations, and Netspark for Mobile.

If you download the app on your smartphone, you get real-time filtering, share prevention, removal protection, remote dashboard, and the ability to manage apps and games.

You can pay $9.50 per month or $99 a year upfront. The software uses patented algorithms that analyze web elements, filter and block unwanted content without blocking entire websites. There are plenty of options for customization, plus the filter works fast.

3. Net Nanny

While the intended customers of Net Nanny are parents with kids who just got their first smartphones, the company caters to anyone looking to filter internet content.

One-way Net Nanny stands out is that it relies on advanced filtering technology that evaluates content based on the context.

For example, if the word “breast” is used in a medical context such as in “breast cancer” or in cooking “chicken breast,” it won’t be deemed as unacceptable.

Net Nanny also reviews advertisements displayed on websites and filters them every time you refresh the feed. It’s available on desktop devices and across mobile operating systems, even Kindle. You can get Net Nanny for either five or 20 devices.

4. Qustodio

If you need a highly configurable and easy-to-use kosher mobile internet filter, Qustodio is an excellent option. It’s available on all mobile devices, including iPhones, Android devices, Kindle, and Chromebook. It blocks access to websites in ten categories completely.

There are another 19 categories where users can fine-tune the filtering to their needs. You can block apps and games, but the filter works slightly better on Android devices than on iOS.

The cheapest plan is $4.50 per month and will cover up to five devices. You can also get a plan for 10 devices for $8 per month. The large plan for up to 15 devices will set you back $12 per month.

5. Mobicip

If you opt for Mobicip, you can choose from one of three filtering levels; Mature, Moderate, and Strict. You can also utilize the Monitor level, which doesn’t block any websites but records online activity.

So, it doesn’t serve so much as a filter at all. The internet filter has 30 categories that cover a lot in terms of inappropriate content.

You can also add specific URLs, even if they wouldn’t fall into any banned categories. The plans start at $3.99 per month and cover up to five devices.

10 Best Phones to Connect to an Internet Filter

Once you choose the kosher mobile internet filter to “clean up” internet content that you, your kids or your employees absorb, you need a device that can support it. Here are ten excellent smartphones you can use with the mobile internet filter.

1. Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini

If you want an affordable smartphone with a large screen but not oversized in general, consider Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini.

It has 16GB of internal storage, supports 4G LTE, and runs on Android 4.4. It also has a MicroSD card slot which supports up to 64GB of external storage.

2. Samsung Galaxy Note 5

The Note series by Samsung Galaxy has always been high-end for good reason. You get fast charging, a fingertip sensor, 64GB internal memory, and several color options with the Note 5.

It features a 6-inch screen and 16MB rear camera for a fantastic user experience. All the internet filtering apps will run smoothly on this device.

3. Apple iPhone 6

Apple loyalists can connect the mobile internet filter of their choosing to iPhone 6 with A8 dual-core processor and a 4.7-inch multi-touch screen.

The smartphone runs on iOS 10.2, so you’ll have your pick when it comes to apps. Plus, the 16GB internal memory is more than enough for most users.

4. ZTE Maven

If you’re looking for an affordable Android device, yet still use a light mobile filtering app, ZTE Maven is a great choice.

It has 8GB internal memory, a quad-core processor, and a MicroSD slot which can support up to 32GB storage. The front camera is not that great, but the rear camera features a decent 5.5MP resolution.

5. Motorola Moto E

The Moto E is another inexpensive smartphone with excellent performance and all the necessary features. It doesn’t run on the latest version of Android, but it will still support mobile filtering apps, especially if they rely on cloud-based technology. Internal memory is 8GB, and external storage expands up to 32GB.

6. LG Stylo 2 Plus

LG is another favorite among Android users, and the Stylo 2 Plus has several things going for it. Firstly, it resembles a tablet with its large 5.7-inch screen.

Secondly, you can expand external storage up to 256GB, which is impressive. When you combine a 13MP rear camera and an attractive price tag, you get one fantastic smartphone.

7. Samsung Galaxy S7 Active

The Galaxy S smartphone series from Samsung is one of the best in the Android universe. The Galaxy S7 Active runs on Android 7, features 32GB internal memory, has fast charging capabilities, and a fingertip sensor.

It also falls into the category of rugged smartphones, so if you have an active lifestyle, this might be the right phone for you.

8. Sonim RS60

Sonim is well-known for making rugged mobile devices of exceptional quality. The RS60 model is the epitome of ruggedness and comes with a whole range of advanced features, including SmartScanner.

This handheld mobile computing device is pricey, but it also runs on Android 10, is waterproof, dustproof, and has a powerful multi-shift battery.

9. LG G5

If you want a mid-tier phone with top-tier cameras, the LG G5 is an amazing option. You get two rear cameras (16MP and 8MP) with a 135-degree view, plus an 8MP front camera.

You can also rely on the Android 7 operating system, fingertip sensor, and highly expandable external storage. The LG G5 looks great too. It will support most internet filtering apps on the market.

10. Samsung Galaxy J3

Among mid-range phones, Samsung Galaxy J3, aka Express Prime, offers excellent technical specifications and admirable performance.

With this phone, you get 16GB internal memory, an Android 6 operating system, a Micro USB charging port, and front-facing and rear cameras of mediocre quality. In its class, it’s at the top of the list in terms of every spec and durability.

Kosher Phone vs. Kosher Filter

We’ve already mentioned that kosher phones are a popular option among religious communities. However, people who want the most basic phone without internet access find these devices to be an excellent solution.

You get phone calls and sometimes SMS capabilities. Most kosher phones come in the form of flip phones, slide phones, or candy bar phones. On the other hand, a kosher mobile internet filter can only be used on smartphones.

Essentially, you need an internet filter to turn your smartphone into a kosher phone – to a degree, at least. You might not be sure what is the right solution for you, so we’ll break it down via the pros and cons section to give you a more precise overview.

Kosher Phone

Pros:

• Cheap
• Durable battery
• Easy to use
• Lightweight
• More rugged

Cons:

• Virtually no customizations

Kosher Filter

Pros:

• Internet connectivity
• Better device selection
• Highly customizable
• Available on multiple devices simultaneously
• It can be used on computers

Cons:

• Subscription-based

Can You Get Around Kosher Filter?

Understandably, one of the main concerns regarding the kosher mobile internet filter is how effective they are. More specifically, how easy it is to get around them. The answer depends on several factors.

First, it depends on the type of filtering software. Some are more difficult to get around than others. It also depends on the person’s access to the dashboards as well as their skill level.

With some filters, all it takes is to use a proxy service, but others are not easy to trick. Keep in mind that if your online activity is monitored, a Google search on this topic could raise suspicion.

Also, let’s not forget that just because one device has an internet filter, people can’t access another device in some circumstances. At the end of the day, kosher mobile internet filters serve the most purpose to people who want it for themselves.

When Is the Right Time for Kosher Mobile Internet Filter?

The purpose of an internet filter in specific communities is clear. Individuals should be protected from specific corrupting influences online.

In such communities, members rely on these tools to make their everyday life more manageable while still getting all the internet benefits. However, internet filters are more widely used in business settings and worried parents who want to protect their kids.

Internet and social media platforms are a novelty in many ways, regardless of how familiar they seem these days. It stands to reason that people want to try to control what they and their loved ones are exposed to online.