Expect a lot more blurry images in Google search results soon

Google uses Safer Internet Day(Opens in a new window) to announce that it will hide offensive images in search results from more users by default.

Google blurs images classified as pornography, violence or blood from search results unless users adjust their filters to view them, minimizing the chances of younger internet users being accidentally exposed to them.

This isn’t exactly a new feature, as anyone under the age of 18 who’s signed into Google already had the image filter turned on by default. “In the coming months(Opens in a new window)” will be the default for those who don’t have the SafeSearch filter enabled. Google Search users will be notified of the change once it is implemented.

If you’re 18 or older, you can change the setting to turn off the filter completely, blur out any objectionable images, or customize the types of images you want to see. There is also an option to click the “View Image” button that appears on each blurred image.

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Google SafeSearch(Opens in a new window) only works for Google search results and is not 100% accurate. Anyone who manages their own Google Account can turn it on or off, while parents and guardians can adjust settings through the Family Link app(Opens in a new window). Administrators can do the same through Google Workspace for Education. This latest decision from Google should help ensure images are still blurry when none of these options are available until the filter setting is changed.

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Source: www.pcmag.com