New York, NY, March 21, 2002 … In its continued effort to fight hate on the Internet, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today announced the release of ADL HateFilter Filter^® 2.0, a completely redesigned version of the League's unique software that blocks access to hundreds of hate sites on the Web. Powered by the Internet Content Rating Association (ICRA), the free program is available at the League's Web site at www.adl.org/hatefilter.

"The explosion of growth in Internet use over the last few years has brought with it an increasing number of anti-Semitic and racist Web sites operated by hate groups," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. "Since the release of the original HateFilter in 1998, the number of sites we routinely monitor has grown exponentially along with the number of Americans going online. While the Internet continues to be a boon for information and education, unfortunately there is a dark side of the Web that remains only a click away.

"ADL HateFilter Filter^® 2.0 is a free software tool that can be used by parents to ensure that their children do not stumble into a hate zone," Mr. Foxman added. "We are giving parents and caregivers the option to keep hate out of their homes."

ADL monitors hate on the Internet and provides information to law enforcement, the media and the public. In 1998, building on more than eight decades of experience in tracking hate groups, ADL made available its original filtering software, enabling computer users to block access to racist and bigoted sites. ADL HateFilter Filter^® 2.0 employs the same, carefully compiled list of hate sites used by the original HateFilter and blocks access to the dozens of bigoted sites that have appeared since.

Installation and configuration of the program is both quick and easy. ADL's Internet Monitoring Unit will provide regular updates of the software, which will be available free of charge on the League's Web site. To update the program, users can simply download a small file that installs itself in the filter.

ADL HateFilter Filter^® 2.0 uses the technology of ICRAfilter, a powerful filtering program that can block access to pornographic, violent and other online content that parents may find unsuitable for children. Though ADL is responsible only for its list of hate sites - which includes those run by neo-Nazis, white supremacists and Holocaust deniers - users of ADL Hate Filter^® 2.0 may use the program to block access to other sites. Parents may choose to activate rules that block or allow sites on the basis of the way those sites describe themselves, or use lists developed by other, trusted groups similar to ADL.

The filter was created as part of an international initiative to develop standards for responsible Internet use. ADL has an ongoing relationship with IRCA, a public-private international partnership that includes such Internet industry leaders as AOL, IBM and Microsoft.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.