Scout - Online Accountability
Accountability built on trust, not shame
About
My name is Brett Mariani, and I built Scout because I saw that most accountability software prices out people who can't afford it, and tracks every last thing users do online. Accountability software is often called "shameware", and in addition to treating the user as the enemy, it often costs hundreds of dollars a year. I wanted to make a "shameware" without shame. Something that can help people without extortion, that invites them to be a willing participant and not a captive.
Scout is designed to be a communication tool, not a control system; accountability that's voluntary, not coerced
Features
- Enable/Disable monitoring button
- instant emails with date, time, url, and screenshot
What makes it different
Scout is consent based accountability software: it doesn't try to catch you doing everything wrong, it helps you intentionally bring the areas you struggle with to light. Scout doesn't treat the user as the enemy.
Screenshots
How it works
How it works:
Scout allows users to add specific websites and keywords to a monitoring list. When a monitored website or keyword is detected in the user's URL, Scout automatically sends a screenshot of the website (along with the URL, page title, and timestamp) directly to the inbox of an accountability partner set up by the user. Scout offers a free tier that lets anyone monitor two sites and send alerts to any accountability partner they choose. To unlock unlimited site monitoring and keyword detection, users can register an email to upgrade to the full version.
Demo
FAQ
What is Scout - Online Accountability?
Scout is a voluntary online accountability tool that helps users bring specific online habits into the light. Users choose exactly what websites or keywords they want monitored and choose their own accountability partner to receive alerts.
How is Scout different from other accountability software?
Unlike many accountability tools that attempt to monitor everything a person does online, Scout is designed around consent and transparency. You decide what is monitored, who receives alerts, and can change or disable monitoring at any time. When monitoring settings are changed, your accountability partner is notified.
Does Scout monitor everything I do online?
No. Scout only monitors the websites and keywords you specifically add to your monitoring list. It does not record your browsing history, track your activity in the background, or send your entire internet usage to anyone.
What happens when a monitored website is visited?
When Scout detects a website or keyword from your monitoring list, it sends an email to your chosen accountability partner containing: - A screenshot of the page (when available) - The website URL - The page title - The date and time the activity was detected
Is my data stored on Scout's servers?
No. Scout does not maintain a database of your browsing history. Your settings are stored within your browser, and alerts are only generated when a monitored website or keyword is detected.
How easy is it to circumvent Scout's monitoring?
Like any accountability software, Scout can be bypassed by someone who is determined to hide their activity. A person could use another device, a different browser, or take other steps to avoid detection. Scout takes a different approach: rather than attempting to monitor every possible action, it is designed around honesty, consent, and intentional accountability.
What founders say
“Wonderful that this exists. There's a free tier and even the paid tier is incredibly affordable. Digital safety and accountability becomes more accessible because of Scout”
— Camnah Pak (creator of faith.tools)
Founder
Brett Mariani