Google will soon automatically mask explicit images in search results

The updated configuration has the feature of blurring images that depict porn, violence, and gore.

Google has unveiled a new online safety measure to prevent users from unintentionally viewing graphic violence or pornography while using its search engine. The company announced the new default setting, part of its Safer Internet Day event, which will automatically obscure explicit images in search results, even for users who haven't enabled SafeSearch.

The feature, which will be available in the coming months, will allow users to choose between blurred, filtered, or displayed explicit content in their search results. However, the setting can only be changed if the account isn't supervised by a parent, school, or administrator. Parents and guardians can supervise Google accounts for minors, enabling them to monitor and block access to specific websites or apps.

For signed-in users under 18, SafeSearch is already set as the default mode to block explicit content such as pornography, violence, and gore while using Google to search for images, videos, and websites. The upcoming launch of the blur feature will add a new option within the SafeSearch menu, alongside the choices to turn off SafeSearch completely and to filter out explicit text and links. Turning off SafeSearch entirely will show the most relevant results without any censorship.

To adjust your SafeSearch settings, follow Google's instructions. However, you will have to wait until the blur feature is officially released.