Microsoft patents a ‘real-time parental monitoring’ tool

1 min. read

Published onFebruary 18, 2017

published onFebruary 18, 2017

Share this article

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

In an ever-more connected and mobile world, it is increasingly difficult for parents to be able to keep an eye on their children. Current tools are quite limited, such as requiring software to be installed, which can sometimes be removed by the child themselves or altered in some way or not providing the parent access to specific actions that are needing to be watched.

Microsoft, however, hasrecently patenteda new tool called “Real-time Parental Monitoring,” that allows an administrator of a device to set boundaries. These boundaries can be used to control who someone can communicate with, contents of a message and the type. Additionally, it could also be used to check if a message is of a sexual nature. With this, it can send automated notifications to a parent if a boundary is breached.

While this tool is specifically titled towards parents, it appears that it could be used in a non-parental environment also, such as in the workplace, as it refers to device administrators and subordinate users, not just child users.

For some, this kind of monitoring could appear intrusive. What are your thoughts? Let us know below!

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).

For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.

Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.

User forum

0 messages

Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes

Comment*

Name*

Email*

Commenting as.Not you?

Save information for future comments

Comment

Radu Tyrsina

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

Microsoft patents a ‘real-time parental monitoring’ tool#

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

Microsoft patents a ‘real-time parental monitoring’ tool