The official Ministry stance is still undecided, unfortunately.

[And then there's a filter right here.]

However, Professor Donoghue and I are of the opinion that it is a Dark Arts curse. Given that you are in your sixth year, this should be of some interest to you, but I'd just like to request that you keep this information away from some of your younger class mates. There's a reason why we only start teaching about them in your 5th year.