Teen Creates Improved Version of Web Filter to Enhance Online Safety.

Just like many children, Aahil Valliani has faced frustration with the filters implemented by his school to block inappropriate websites. He often finds certain sites blocked without understanding the reasoning behind it, especially when his browsing is related to schoolwork.

When confronted with such restrictions, many students resort to bypassing their schools’ web filters by using their phones or employing proxy servers and virtual private networks to access an unfiltered internet. Seeking a more comprehensive solution, Aahil joined forces with his younger brother and father to establish Safe Kids, secure nearly $2 million in venture funding, and develop an enhanced filtering system.

According to a report by The Markup, a part of CalMatters, nearly all schools enforce web filtering to adhere to the federal Children’s Internet Protection Act and qualify for discounted internet services. The majority of schools analyzed by The Markup utilize filters that categorize websites and block entire categories simultaneously. Some filters scan webpages for specific forbidden keywords, resulting in the blocking of websites where these keywords appear, irrespective of the context. These filters often lead to excessive blocking, preventing students from accessing information on sensitive subjects like sex education and LGBTQ resources.

At the age of 17, Aahil emphasizes that schools’ excessively rigid controls vanish once students graduate, which he considers a recipe for disaster. He believes that children should be taught how to navigate the internet responsibly in the presence of trusted adults so they can make informed decisions independently in the future.

The Safe Kids filter transforms web blocking into a learning opportunity by explaining the reasons for blocking certain sites and encouraging students to avoid them voluntarily. It leverages artificial intelligence to evaluate a student’s search intent, reducing the number of blocks encountered while conducting legitimate academic research. For example, if a student searches for Civil War rifles for a school assignment, Safe Kids permits it, but it would block attempts to shop for an AK-47, unlike other filters that would block both.

In addition, the filter prioritizes student privacy by only storing categories of visited websites, not the URLs or search terms themselves. Operated through a Chrome browser extension, the filter prevents students from bypassing it using proxy servers or VPNs when using that browser.

Safe Kids was conceived during the early stages of the COVID-19 lockdowns. Aahil and his family, including his tech entrepreneur father, self-employed fashion designer mother, and budding computer scientist younger brother Zohran, brainstormed ways to assist children exposed to harmful online content and grappling with mental health repercussions from excessive internet use.

Their solution, inspired by the invasive and ineffective school filters the siblings encountered, introduces enhanced internet safety measures. Aahil mentions that his father played a supportive role in the initial phase, aiding in the recruitment of board members and angel investors, as well as assembling the team of data scientists to train the filter’s AI model and psychologists to develop and test the filter’s distinctive pop-ups guiding students towards more suitable browsing options. The company also invested in patents for their designs, resulting in three patents under Aahil’s name and five for Safe Kids.

During the fundraising phase for Safe Kids, the ACLU of Northern California called for the Fresno Unified School District to discontinue the use of Gaggle, a product employed by districts to monitor students’ internet activity, block potentially harmful content, and intervene if browsing patterns suggest students may require mental health support. The ACLU argued that Gaggle infringed on students’ privacy and free speech rights, leading to a broader debate on intrusive online surveillance in educational settings.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation also raised concerns about another web filtering tool, GoGuardian, after obtaining records from various school districts revealing the software’s extensive monitoring, tracking, and flagging of student internet usage during the same period when Aahil was testing Safe Kids. Jason Kelley, a primary researcher on EFF’s evaluation of GoGuardian, commended Safe Kids for its emphasis on privacy, transparent open-source code disclosing its model, and context-specific blocking, marking an improvement compared to traditional filters.

Despite facing challenges in penetrating the school market, Aahil remains optimistic about securing a contract with a school district in the future. In the meantime, Safe Kids is targeting parents, providing them with a tool to supervise their children’s internet activities at home. While Safe Kids initially charged for its filter, Aahil announced the upcoming release of an open-source, free version next month.

One of the patented features of the company is a method known as “pause, reflect, and redirect,” which leverages child psychology to instill healthy browsing habits in children when attempting to access inappropriate websites.

Aahil elaborated, “When kids visit a site for the first time, we view it as a mistake. We educate kids on why it’s not beneficial for them, empowering them to make a choice.”

For instance, if a student tries to play games during a lesson, a pop-up message would inquire, “Is this related to your schoolwork?” Students have the option to return to the appropriate content or access more information about the blocked site. Persistent attempts to access unsuitable content result in further browsing restrictions until the issue is addressed with an adult. In cases indicating potential crises, users are advised to seek adult assistance, triggering automated alerts for school staff in educational settings.

Despite transitioning focus to college applications this fall, Aahil intends to continue expanding the company. As a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Virginia, renowned for its academic excellence, he plans to pursue a major in business or economics, aspiring to build a career in entrepreneurship.

Safe Kids differentiates itself in the web filtering market where products have shown minimal advancement in refining their blunt internet restrictions over the past quarter-century.

Nancy Willard, director of Embrace Civility LLC, involved in youth online safety since the 1990s, emphasizes the importance of empowering children to manage their online experiences. Traditional filters that block websites without explanation fail to educate children, often prompting them to circumvent the restrictions.

“This approach promotes student comprehension, with potential for enhancing their skills through instructional means,” Willard commented regarding Safe Kids.

Safe Kids presents an effective solution for students using Chromebooks, inhibiting circumvention attempts while fostering a positive digital environment. The next challenge for Aahil and his family is to attract potential buyers for their innovative product.

As Kelley notes, the evolving landscape of school security and student safety measures poses obstacles for new technologies like Safe Kids. The increased focus on security measures, including strict filters and surveillance tools, makes it challenging to introduce alternative solutions.

This news piece was first featured on CalMatters.