Dangerous Recent Update
Covenant Eyes has recently removed their dedicated browser app, a move that significantly impacts how their service operates. With this change, users are now directed to use a Safari browser extension. This shift introduces a major concern: the VPN, crucial for monitoring and filtering, can now be easily disabled. Unlike Safari, Covenant Eyes browser forces you to use VPN, but now that the browser has been removed, you're stuck with Safari which doesn't care if you have VPN disabled. This loophole essentially undermines the effectiveness of Covenant Eyes' accountability features.
When I contacted Covenant Eyes about this, instead of providing an in-house solution to this new vulnerability, they recommended switching to Bark, a service that uses MDM technology. While this might offer more control, it requires additional expenses and adapting to a new system. I also found this on Bark's website "Apple doesn't let you lock down the Bark Kids app VPN settings, which we use to block apps and sites. You can send them feedback on this limitation of their Screen Time settings.", so a pointless app to use.
At least give people the option to either use Covenant Eyes browser or Safari instead of forcing people to switch to one browser that has a very easy circumvention. It worked last time. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Screenshots are not the end all be all. Filtering is crucial, and screenshots won't matter if people have access to those sites in the first placed. Been a member for about 2 years now and it's a shame that this is the direction they took.
Comments
3 comments
Hello Lawrence,
Thanks for your message and I'm sorry to hear that you are feeling frustrated by the upcoming changes. In case it might be helpful I did want to let you know that we have not yet removed the Covenant Eyes browser app. That change will eventually happen but you are still able to use the Covenant Eyes browser currently. I will also say that our developers are currently investigating options when it comes to reporting the VPN status on iOS devices.
I don't know if the associate you spoke with already mentioned this but just in case they didn't I wanted let you know that if Covenant Eyes is removed from the VPN slot, the software will still maintain Screen Accountability within the Safari app. If your concern is more focused on filtering than accountability you could also utilize Apple's optional filter within the Screen Time settings of the device. Admittedly it isn't as customizable as the Covenant Eyes filter but it can still prove helpful as a way to enforce filtering if you are concerned about removing the VPN.
Its interesting that you mentioned that screenshots and accountability are not the end all be all and that filtering is crucial. As often as we hear that from folks we also hear the opposite from people who either don't need or don't like our filter and instead use Covenant Eyes exclusively for the Screen Accountability it provides. Its a balancing act to be sure and we will continue to work within the boundaries imposed by Apple to provide the best Screen Accountability and filtering that we can. To that end, I wanted to thank you for taking the time to send us this message. I will be passing it on to my developers on your behalf. If there is anything else I can do to help or if you have any further concerns please do let us know. Thank you and have a great rest of your day.
Lawrence, you have identified a concern for others as well. I have found CE's filtering to be far below what Canopy offers (canopy.us). In my opinion, a partnership between CE and Canopy would be the best option, as it would allow customers to use the same VPN. Also, Canopy offers excellent removal prevention, and it can be used with CE - simply install CE, but then delete the VPN, and allow Canopy to install, and use Canopy's filtering service. Far superior to CE's filtering.
Best of luck.
Hi @Grokster, I am also using both CE and Canopy, however, it does not appear CE is capturing any screenshots any longer on my mobile device where I've removed the CE vpn and have installed the Canopy one. Still have the CE Safari extension installed. Is this your experience as well?
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