What steps does Nici take to protect minors?

Nici, like a web browser and other internet software, can be used to download adult content. We have built into Nici numerous features that you can use to protect minors who use your computer from being exposed to adult content, and to stop minors using Nici to view adult content. We take this issue very seriously and will continue to research and invest in effective means of achieving this. If you have any suggestions or questions please email us at [email protected]

The first issue is to protect minors who share or use a computer with an adult who views adult content, from accidentally coming across inappropriate pictures or descriptions. The following features in Nici are designed to protect against this;

• Obscure Mode: When Obscure mode is enabled, all pictures are altered slightly, so that programs like "My Computer" will not automatically display them. Numbers are used in place of file name words.
• Password: Nici can be configured to ask for a password before allowing the program to start.
• System Files: Unlike a browser, Nici does not store files and entries in your system cache, history or cookie folders. Many adults do not know what or where these files are, but tech-savy minors do.

The second issue is to stop minors using Nici to intentionally view adult content. The following features in Nici are designed to protect against this;

• When Nici is installed, it checks the Windows Content Advisor to see if adult content is blocked or filtered for the current user. If so, Nici will disable a module that makes it easier for adults to view adult content
• Whenever Nici is started, it checks the Windows Content Advisor, and if adult content is blocked, immediately displays an information box explaining what the program is and what it could be used for. This is designed for the situation that parents are immediately informed when they look at what programs minors are using.

Server, proxy and ISP based filtering and blocking programs will also block Nici from being used to download adult content. We have also confirmed that programs like Cybersitter will block Nici from being used to access adult pictures.

Please note that the first issue; protecting minors from accidentally coming across inappropriate pictures or descriptions, is much easier to achieve than the second issue. There are many programs designed specifically to do this, but a determined tech-savy teenager is likely to find ways to bypass many of these programs and protections, and in some ways, they can offer only a false sense of security.

We will continue to research and add features to Nici to help you protect minors. If you have any suggestions or questions please email us at [email protected]