[ GLOSSARY ]
What is a web filter's AI category?
Definition
Policy and practiceWeb filter
A web filter controls which websites and apps students can reach on school networks and devices. Most filters now group AI tools into categories admins can block or allow.
Why it matters for schools
Labels vary: GoGuardian uses "Artificial Intelligence Tools," Lightspeed uses "AI Generative" among others, and Cisco uses "Generative AI." Federal law requires filters for obscene and harmful images; blocking AI chat is a local choice. A school that blocks the AI category can still allow one approved AI by adding it to the allow-list.
Allowing an approved AI
See Nexus and your web filter for the steps.
[ FAQ ]
Questions and answers
Do school web filters block AI?
Most can, through an AI category. Whether to block it is the school's choice.
Does CIPA require blocking AI chatbots?
No. CIPA requires filters for obscene and harmful images and an internet safety policy; it does not mention AI or chatbots.
Can a school block ChatGPT but allow another AI?
Yes. Keep the AI category blocked and add the approved AI's addresses to the allow-list.
[ SOURCES ]
Sources
Facts checked Oct 18, 2026.
- 1GoGuardian, new AI filtering categoryAug 2, 2023 · goguardian.com
- 2Lightspeed Systems, generative AI reports and categoriesJun 26, 2023 · lightspeedsystems.com
- 3Cisco Talos, 2024 changes to content categoriesMay 29, 2024 · blog.talosintelligence.com
- 447 U.S.C. 254, CIPA requirementsRead Oct 18, 2026 · law.cornell.edu
[ AI FOR SCHOOLS ]
The AI your school can approve.