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URL Categorization Requests

The URL Categorization feature allows you to submit requests for categorizing URLs that are not yet classified or need recategorization in the DefensX web filtering system. This helps improve the accuracy of web filtering across your organization.

When you encounter a website that is uncategorized or miscategorized, you can submit a request with suggested categories. Our team will review your request, and if approved, the URL will be processed by our category engine to determine the most appropriate categories.

How It Works

The categorization process follows these steps:

  1. Submit Request: You enter a URL and suggest up to 2 categories that best describe the website’s content.

  2. Admin Review: DefensX team review your request to ensure it meets our categorization guidelines.

  3. Engine Processing: Approved requests are sent to our categorization engine for analysis.

  4. Final Result: The engine returns final categories, which are then applied to the URL in our filtering database.

Submitting a Request

Navigate to Categorization Requests in the main menu to view all your requests.

Categorization Requests Dashboard

The page displays two tabs:

  • Open: Active requests (pending, in review, or processing)

  • Closed: Completed or rejected requests

Click New Categorization Request to submit a new request.

New URL Categorization Request

URL Field

Enter the complete URL you want to categorize. The URL must:

  • Start with http:// or https://

  • Be a valid, accessible URL

  • Not be a duplicate of an existing open request

The system automatically checks for existing categories when you enter a URL. If the URL is already categorized, you’ll see the current categories displayed below the URL field.

Click Suggested Categories to expand the category selection panel.

You can select up to 2 categories that best represent the website’s primary content. Categories are organized into logical groups such as:

  • Business & Economy

  • Education

  • Entertainment

  • News & Media

  • Shopping

  • Social Networking

  • Technology

Choose the most specific categories that accurately describe the website’s main purpose. For example, if a website is primarily an online learning platform, select "eLearning" rather than the broader "Education" category.

Notes Field

Provide context for your categorization request. Good notes should:

  • Explain the website’s primary purpose

  • Mention specific content that justifies your suggested categories

  • Note if the current categorization is causing filtering issues

  • Be concise but informative

Example of good notes: "Educational platform offering online courses in technology and business. Currently uncategorized, preventing proper filtering. Primary content is video lectures and course materials."

After filling in all fields, click Submit Request to create your request. You’ll be redirected to the requests list where you can track its status.

Request Statuses

Each request goes through several statuses:

  • Pending: Request has been submitted and is awaiting initial review

  • In Review: Being reviewed by DefensX team

  • Processing: Approved and being analyzed by the category engine

  • Completed: Successfully processed and categories have been applied

  • Rejected: Request was rejected (see rejection reasons below)

Viewing Request Details

Click on any request to view its detailed information.

URL Categorization Request Details

The details page displays:

  • URL: The submitted URL (clickable to visit the site)

  • Status: Current status with color-coded badge

  • Requested By: Email of the user who submitted the request

  • Created At: Submission timestamp

  • Existing Categories: Categories already assigned before the request (gray badges)

  • Suggested Categories: Your recommended categories (gray badges)

  • Final Categories: Categories assigned by the engine after processing (green badges)

  • Notes: Your comments explaining the request

  • Rejection Reason: Reason for rejection if the request was not approved

Understanding Categories

The details page shows three types of categories:

  • Existing Categories (gray): These are categories that were already assigned to the URL before your request. This helps you understand the current state.

  • Suggested Categories (gray): These are the categories you recommended when submitting the request.

  • Final Categories (green): These are the categories assigned by our engine after processing. They may differ from your suggestions if the engine determines different categories are more appropriate based on its analysis.

Rejection Reasons

If your request is rejected, you’ll see one of these reasons:

  • Categorization Not Needed: The URL is already properly categorized in our system.

  • Categorization Incorrect: The suggested categories are not appropriate for the website’s content.

  • Duplicate Request: An identical or similar request for this URL already exists.

  • Technical Issue: The URL could not be accessed or processed due to technical limitations.

  • No Change: The suggested categories match the existing categories, so no update is needed.

If your request is rejected, review the rejection reason and consider whether a new request with different categories or additional context would be appropriate.

Best Practices

When to Submit a Request

Submit a categorization request when:

  • You encounter a website that shows as "Uncategorized" or "Miscellaneous"

  • A website is miscategorized, causing it to be inappropriately blocked or allowed

  • A new website needs to be added to the filtering database

  • Website content has changed significantly, making the current categories outdated

Choosing the Right Categories

  • Select the most specific category available for the website’s primary content

  • If the website serves multiple purposes, choose the two most dominant categories

  • Review existing categories (if shown) to avoid suggesting the same categories

  • Consider the website’s main purpose, not just individual pages or sections

  • Avoid selecting overly broad categories when more specific ones are available

Avoiding Duplicate Requests

Before submitting a request, check the Open requests tab to see if someone else has already submitted a request for the same URL. Duplicate requests will be rejected, so it’s better to wait for the existing request to be processed.