Google has given parents the ability to lock down the Safesearch feature of the Google search engine.

Safesearch has been around for a while, and provides an easy way to filter Google search results, and omit explicit websites and pictures. However, this was always an optional tool, and could simply be turned off.

The new feature allows parents to sign in with their Google account and lock the Safesearch settings in place. In order to be turned off, the parent will have to re-enter their password.

Parents can quickly confirm that Safesearch is activated by looking for the coloured balls in the top right of the screen. This indicates that locked Safesearch is active.

This is a great move by Google, but parents should be aware that there are many ways for children to come across explicit material, not just though Google searches. However, it is an excellent feature, and would go well with existing parental controls software.

This entry was posted on Friday, November 13th, 2009 at 1:42 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.