Pages

Social Spark

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Google SafeSearch No Longer An Option

Google just made their search engine more child friendly by not giving their users the option to disable SafeSearch.  At least, for now, this is true in some countries like the U.S.  The drop-down menu found in the upper right corner of image search that allows the users to select the option to Off, Moderate or Strict SafeSearch have been removed and replaced with choices that would further filter search results from explicit words or images.

As for our country, we still have the option to have the original drop-down menu (as found below) or migrate to the new one.  Unless if you don't know how.  Of which I won't be giving any hint here (unless of course you're a keen observer).


For those in the U.S. and those affected by the change, here is what it currently looks like:


Google even changed the search settings found by clicking the gear icon gear icon beside SafeSearch.  Now, the only option there is to give their users more ways to enhance the SafeSearch feature of their browser (i.e. Filter explicit results, Lock SafeSearch, and Block unwanted sites).  More, once the user chose to filter explicit results, strict SafeSearch would be in effect.  Meaning all explicit words and images Google recognizes would no longer be shown or included in the search, as shown below: 


Well, this may be a hassle to people who wants to see adult contents.  I wouldn't worry about that, since even with the filters on, they always find a way.  But to us parents, Google made us a huge favor by providing precaution and tools in protecting our young ones against pornographic materials that are freely circulating in the net today.  This significant move is greatly appreciated, many thanks and hoping you continue with this advocacy.  Yahweh bless.

15 comments:

  1. It's better if they keep the internet child friendly as it would add more comfort for adults when the young ones are in the net.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is a great move done by google because more and more children are exposed to internet. The fact that computer is now a necessity in every home, surfing will be safer for the young innocent minds with this idea.

    ReplyDelete
  3. nice to keep up with this google news! thank you! though even in youtube my daughter can see barbie and other cartoon doing adult things. which is worst than ever and a nightmare for me even I turned on the safety on youtube they can stil sneak up! Its hilarious! haha xx

    ReplyDelete
  4. good to know that webs take considerations of child's innocence.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Good to know that google do this as social responsibility and will surely ensure the safety of the children users

    ReplyDelete
  6. This one's the best move google has done. I don't have to worry anymore when my nieces use my computer when I am not around, though I've already child proof my PC =)

    ReplyDelete
  7. yep, best to keep it filtered for the small ones and the big ones! lol!

    the thing is kids are soooo witty and techie nowadays they know where to go and what to click.. so we parents, should really be on the look out- always!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Same experience with MaryJane, nako. Hubby had to manually ban websites so that the kids can't access them!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Great step by google to help us, parents, in protecting our kids.

    ReplyDelete
  10. This is definitely good news. Less worries for parents who are already apprehensive of the kind of information children get from the Internet.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I really love the idea because my kids use the computer as much as I do :-) Keeping the safe clean and kids friendly makes me feel great knowing that my kids are searching sites that are appropriate for their age :-)

    ReplyDelete
  12. this is very important because kids now can actually saw anything on the web.

    ReplyDelete
  13. i havent noticed these changes. i just post stuff anyway. but when i google, it doesnt ask me for anything.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Google is updating from time to time. new rules new things to follow

    ReplyDelete
  15. Do you think this can also be made applicable to all kinds of devices (i.e. smartphones, iPad, iPods that kids can access easily)?

    ReplyDelete