The world's most dominant search engine, Google, has made recent improvements that will positively impact a user's experience and eliminate explicit images from search results, says online reputation management firm Reputation Advocate.
FRANKLIN, TN, January 25, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Reputation Advocate, a company that specializes in online reputation management for its clients, has been closely watching the changes, set to alter the family-friendliness of web searches. In recent years, consumers have grown frustrated at Google's "Safe Search" feature, which tended to let explicit search results through. This was especially problematic with image searches, where users enter a search term with the Safe Search filter on, only to find pornographic images displayed on the resulting page of images.
Instead of Google defaulting to a mode that allows explicit images through, Google's image search will now act similarly to its regular web search, giving users less explicit results. When someone searches for an explicit search term, Google's new image search will now pop up a warning that will instruct users on how to filter search results, Reputation Advocate explains.
Until recently, settings defaulted to a moderate Safe Search option, which was problematic for users who might have been searching at work or with children nearby. Multiple complaints prompted Google to make these improvements, which will no longer require a user to go in to change settings in order to receive a moderate amount of filtering.
To make the change, users will simply need to either select or de-select "filter explicit results" depending on their preferences. According to Reputation Advocate, there are times when a user needs for all search results to be displayed, even those involving nudity or other adult-like elements. One such instance would be when someone is making an online reputation management check, trying to determine whether explicit images pop up in searches.
Some individuals may be unhappy with this change, but Google assures users that explicit search options will still be available. Users will simply have to edit filters to make sure all results appear. Online reputation management firms like Reputation Advocate may still need to do explicit searches from time to time when evaluating a client's comprehensive online exposure. Google points out that searchers may also need to alter their searches to be more specific if they want unfiltered results.
Currently, this change is only available to North American users. To control Google safe search settings go to google.com/preferences and check the box to "Filter explicit results." Users can also lock the Safe Search settings so others cannot change it when using a computer where Safe Search settings have been set.
Long-time search engine optimization (SEO) and online reputation management (ORM) professionals understand that Google is constantly changing its algorithms. Many of these changes are done behind the scenes and do not overtly impact the user experience. Occasionally, however, changes are made that directly impact the end user. Many businesses and professionals will notice these most recent changes.
Reputation Advocate offers this basic advice-online content, algorithms and security settings are altered continuously. Building a strong solid online identity is an ongoing effort that must be intentional, and dismissing the impact of such changes can create long term unintended challenges. For those seeking assistance with these core needs, Reputation Advocate offers a free, no-obligation consultation.
