Secure Web SmartFilter EDU, formerly known as Bess, is a brand of content-control software made by Secure Computing Corporation, which acquired maker N2H2 in 2003; it is usually used in libraries and schools.
The main purpose of the system is as an Internet filter, blocking minors using the public computers from accessing web content deemed inappropriate by the local administrators of the system based on the Acceptable Use Policy of the organization.
This feature makes it harder to bypass, though it is not uncommon for students with more extensive computer knowledge to attempt to bypass the system.
The system is compliant with the Children's Internet Protection Act.
Other critics believe that the imposition of Internet filtering software without the consent of the user constitutes a violation of the First Amendment.