No, ManagedMethods is not a content filter. ManagedMethods does not block access to websites, domains, and other types of content.
Rather, ManagedMethods scans your district’s Google Workspace and/or Microsoft 365 domain to detect content based on specific parameters (we call “risks”) that are set up using contextual keywords, regex text, and numerical strings, and artificial intelligence. ManagedMethods is capable of scanning for different types of content within your domain for both data security and student safety use cases.
For example, it can detect when a file containing personally identifiable information is being shared outside your domain and/or globally and automatically break the share. The platform can also detect when explicit images are being uploaded and/or shared from your district’s shared drives, email, and chat apps.
ManagedMethods specifically works to detect risks inside Google Workspace for Education apps currently including Gmail, Drive, Shared Drive, Docs, Slides, Sheets, Chat, Meet, and Classroom. In Microsoft 365, the platform works to detect risks inside Microsoft’s cloud-specific environment (not on-prem software), including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, SharePoint, and OneDrive.
It’s worth noting, in the context of this question, that content filters provide little value in the area of cybersecurity. While they can be helpful allies in blocking students and other users from visiting malicious websites, a content filter will do nothing to protect your data from a direct attack, insider threat, or accidental data leakage.
To learn more about the K-12 cyber safety and security layers, and how ManagedMethods fits within them, read more here.