Computers and internet connections are essentially the main things that make coworking spaces possible, but they also offer new forms of distraction. Sitting in front of a computer, anyone can decide to do some shopping or even download porn.
A good number of modern co-working spaces choose to leverage the honor system by setting up an Internet policy and trusting their members to follow it. However, if a co-working space wants to place greater restrictions on internet usage, it’s legal to do so.
In the United States, the simplest form of control is to let members access the Web, but monitor where they go. A good number of co-working spaces use software like; NetSpy, Work Examiner, or Spytech to monitor activities on the network.
Some managers believe this to be quite excessive especially since they are dealing with independent clients and business owners.
A good number of them prefer restricting access to certain websites to snooping on clients. Most co-working spaces block sites by setting the hardware to respond to certain keywords. For instance, Netgear’s firewall router can be used to restrict 32 different keywords.
If a co-working space administrator puts “XXX,” “Amazon” or “sex” on the list, the router won’t let anyone with access to their internet visit websites with those words. The router can also be set to ban anything with a COM suffix; therefore users are limited to GOV, EDU, and similar official sites.
You can also choose to filter keywords of online games, live video streaming apps, social media apps, and inappropriate phrases, like topless, porn, underwear, swimsuits, and many more. However, it is also necessary to compare the practical advantages of keeping your clients off dating and shopping sites with the resentment members may feel if they’re denied.
Keywords or Phrases to Block on the Internet in a Co-working Space
The internet is genuinely a wild west and full of inappropriate content that can easily distract workers or even slow down the upload and download speeds on the network for everyone else. If you are facing these issues at your co-working space, here are a few keywords or phrases to block on your internet;
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Inappropriate Sites & Social Networks
Members might be seeking distractions and choose to access inappropriate websites that spread porn and erotic scenes. You can find top adult sites and use keywords to block them on your computers. Social networks like Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Snapchat, are even more addictive and distracting, and you may need to act on them too.
Keywords to block
- Facebook.com
- Twitter.com
- Instagram.com
- Reddit.com
- YouTube.com
- Netflix.com
- Hulu.com
- Twitch.tv
- Disneyplus.com
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Hate Speech On Color & Creed
In this modern age, social messaging networks and entertainment channels, like YouTube, are filled up with hate speeches. Indeed, we are easily exposed to hate speech and tend to use them often on people we hate or think we are superior to.
Discrimination of any form, online or offline should never be acceptable in any co-working space, and providers should sensor or block hate-related words in/on their space.
KeyWords To Block
- Nigger
- White monk
- Whitey
- Shitface
- Black monkey
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Violence & Extremism
As we all know, the world has gradually become a victim of violence and extremism. While we all used to see extremism in video footage, WebPages, and many more, it has become more common these days. Co-working space providers must filter and capture such keywords that promote violence and extremism.
KeyWords To Block
- Youth radicalization
- No black should exist in the US
- White supremacist
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Aggressive Language On Religion
According to reports, religious intolerance is becoming more prevalent in this age, and a lot can easily go wrong online. You may have seen comments, likes, and dislikes on social media where Christians, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, and others kick up each other based on their faith. To ensure a collaborative environment, you should act fast to filter those keywords that are aggressive towards religion.
Key Words To Block
- Christians superiority
- Infidels
- Born sinners
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Sexually Explicit Phrases
Truth be told, there are sexually explicit terms that should never be allowed on your co-working space computers. You should capture these sexually explicit phrases to prevent members from using your computers to conduct online relationships with strangers.
Keywords To Block
- My emergency call
- one-night stand
- Let’s have fuck today.
- I have thought about this all day and many more
- What the fuck
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Body Shaming & Slut-Shaming
Reports have it that the act of body shaming is very massive on the web. Today, people face a lot of name-callings, body shaming, and bullying based on physical appearances. As a co-working space provider, you can filter searches and chats to stop your members from getting involved in body-shaming activities.
Keywords To Block
- Vagina fat
- Tall
- Slim
- Skinny
- Teabag
- Yeasty
- Whore
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Sexting & Dating Terms
Agreeably, we are becoming more intelligent these days, and tech people can dodge easily while having a conversation with someone on cell phones, PC, and computer devices. Today, people use sexting terms like, 53x which is a sneaky way to talk about sex. GNOC means ‘get naked on camera’, and many more.
Keywords To Block
- A55
- 53x
- Goldenshower
- B1tch
- MON
- GNOC
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Sexual Preferences, Like LGQBT
Even with the growing sexuality campaigns, people still have problems based on their sexual preferences, like gays, lesbians, queers, bisexuals, and transgender. Most often, they are the ones that face cyberbullying and real-life bullying because of their sexual preferences.
Keywords To Block
- Sexual preference
- gay lifestyle
- homosexual lifestyle
- same-sex attractions
- sexual identity
- gay agenda
- homosexual agenda
Conclusion
Agreeably, the internet and everything that it provides has become a very necessary tool in most co-working spaces around the world.
Most often members and visitors need access to the internet to carry out their daily tasks. However, owing to the distractions they bring, blocking certain keywords may be more productive than trying to oversee every member’s online activity. Note that every coworking space has to set its own priorities.