DNS Filtering and Student Privacy
Filtering should protect students without excessive monitoring. Here is how to balance safety and privacy.
Content filtering protects students, but it also generates data about their browsing. Institutions must balance their safeguarding duties with respect for student privacy.
Collect only what you need
DNS filtering records domain lookups, not the content of pages or messages. Configure logging to capture only what is needed for security and safeguarding.
Limit access to logs
Only authorised staff with a clear purpose should access detailed logs. Most reporting can use aggregated data without identifying individuals.
Set retention periods
Keep logs for a defined period and delete them automatically afterwards.
Be transparent
Tell students and parents what is filtered, what is logged and why. Include this information in acceptable-use policies and orientation.
Use data for safeguarding, not surveillance
Logs can reveal safeguarding concerns, such as searches related to self-harm. Have clear procedures for counsellors to respond sensitively.
Age matters
Expectations differ for young children and adult university students. Adult students generally expect greater privacy.
Follow the law
Comply with applicable data protection laws and institutional policies.
The bottom line
Effective filtering and student privacy can coexist with thoughtful policies. UbiFi Cloud DNS provides privacy-conscious filtering and reporting.
Learn more about Cloud DNS for Campuses from UbiFi, or talk to our team.
Protective DNS that keeps students and staff away from phishing, malware and inappropriate websites on every campus device.
