There are ways to circumvent Covenant Eyes accountability software, not the least of which is to go down to the local library and use its computers instead of your own. Those who are bent on getting around a fence inevitably find a way.
From time to time, we hear from concerned customers is that they might have found a way to circumvent our software. (Sometimes customers find what they believe will be a loophole, only to later discover that their ally was notified about their circumvention attempts.) Communications from our members have also helped us to refine how our services work.
But one of the things that makes accountability software different from other software solutions is that it presupposes some level of personal and relational accountability. Covenant Eyes is not a “gotcha” tool, or “shameware.” It is specifically designed for those individuals and families who are making a commitment to use their devices with integrity. By using it they are saying, “Yes, monitor my screens. I want you to receive a regular report of what I’m doing. I don’t want to live in secrecy or deception.”
Biblical accountability occurs in the context of a committed relationship. It’s about bringing someone alongside you who shares your commitment to digital integrity and will help and encourage you on that journey. The motivation to overcome porn must go deeper than “not getting caught at it.”
But if you are concerned you or others will circumvent Covenant Eyes, let me mention several encouragements:
1. If you find a possible method of circumvention, tell us.
Our software is designed in community, with input from literally hundreds of thousands of comments. Speak up and share your thoughts if you’ve found a circumvention method that makes Covenant Eyes less valuable for you. We are all working together to make the Internet safer. Our Member Care team may be able to recommend steps to close the loopholes. Contact support@covenanteyes.com or call us at +1 989.720.8000.
2. Understand that the easiest circumvention method is the most obvious one: find another device.
Good allies should know this and have measures put in place to keep this from being a temptation. Some Covenant Eyes members have access to work computers or phones where they cannot install our app. In this case, make sure you’re having regular accountability conversations about these devices. This leads to the next point.
3. Temptations to circumvent Covenant Eyes (technological or otherwise) should be part of your accountability conversations.
Perhaps you’ve discovered a way to cheat the system. Remember, accountability is primarily about the relationship. The software tools you use, including Covenant Eyes, aren’t going to help if you aren’t committed to an honest relationship. Talk to those who hold you accountable. If you really desire accountability, be proactive and come up with creative solutions together.
Share your thoughts with us! What methods do you and your allies use to close any gaps in your accountability measures? Please share your thoughts below.
When will wildcard support for website blocking be added? The ability to mass-block websites, especially those that reference software that can circumvent CE, would be a huge advantage for me. I’m not overly concerned about a couple innocent websites being flagged by these wildcards.
Hi Ryan thanks for reaching out! Our support articles have the most up-to-date information on software features and how to use them. Check out this page on our blocking/filtering features: https://support.covenanteyes.com/hc/en-us/categories/10957895485083-Blocking-Filtering
If you have questions that aren’t answered there, our Member Care is available by phone (989-720-8000), chat, or email (support@covenanteyes.com).
Blessings,
Keith
Looking at upgrading my phone plan to include built in hotspot so we can discontinue paying for the wifi at the house. If my phone, that has CE installed on it, is used as the base hotspot, will connecting devices that do not have CE cause a negative report to generate if someone accesses forbidden material or searches for the same?
Hi Todd! Thanks for your comment. Covenant Eyes will only monitor the device it’s installed on. If you use the phone as a hotspot, it won’t monitor other devices on the connection. Feel free to reach out to our Member Care team at 1-877-479-1119 or support@covenanteyes.com if you’d like more details, or have further technical questions!
Blessings,
Keith
What about VPNs/partitioning? I know (I think?) that CE blocks private browsers (Tor, etc.), but what about my very tech-literate husband using Nord or a similar VPN? Will CE still work? If not, will it at least show that the VPN was used? Also, what about the ability to partition (e.g., use “guest access”) a laptop – would the fact that CE is installed on the device mean that it still works in that situation?
*I should specify that we have Macs, iPads, and iPhones*
Thank you.
Hello! Thanks for your comment. How we interact with VPN’s varies depending on the platform and the VPN. I recommend reaching out to our Member Care team at support@covenanteyes.com or 1-877-479-1119 and they’ll be able to address your specific situation.
Blessings,
Keith