Update 23/04/24 5:30 pm (IST): Google has reportedly started enabling the option to blur explicit images in Search results by default. I checked my account settings and can confirm that this is indeed the case. However, Google also confirmed that anyone can disable this SafeSearch feature, unless they have a supervised account.
Original article published on April 22, 2024 follows:
Upon opening the official Google Search forums as part of my research into bugs and issues, I noticed a whole lot of posts about a bug where image results were showing up blurred even though users disabled SafeSearch. The SafeSearch feature lets you blur NSFW images from the results and is especially useful in an office setting. Nevertheless, some Google Search users say that despite turning off SafeSearch, some or all images are blurred.
The issue seems to be widespread, with reports surfacing across various online platforms like Google’s support forums, Reddit, and X. This blurring applies primarily to image searches, not affecting text or link results. Moreover, the bug is blurring normal images too and not just explicit ones, like it’s supposed to. Adding to that, some users even claim that they have no option to disable SafeSearch. Here are some complaints for reference:
Even a week ago, safe search was perpetually disabled and nothing was filtered out, out of nowhere, the main images weren’t blocked but the related images that pop up when you click on the main images are all blurred, why doesn’t it either blur everything or blur nothing if its purpose is to blur explicit images but fails to even blur the main ones? (Source)
Just recently I’ve had images in google both on PC and on my phone blur images, despite the fact that I have safesearch turned off. If I cluck the imagie it will be blurred and say “This image may contain explicit conent. SafeSearch blurring is on” despite the fact I have it set to off. (Source)
Today suddenly all image searches result in blurred images for me. Safe search setting is off, and I turn it on and off and it’s still on. Cannot be turned off, even though it is clearly off. Why did this just start and why can I no turn this off? (Source)
Responding to some complaints, a product expert on the Google community forums provided an potential explanation as to why you might be seeing blurred images even with the setting off.
Apart from that, another product expert claimed that they noticed a number of similar complaints and have passed on the feedback for investigation.
In view of the number of reports of this issue, I’ve referred it to the Google Search team for investigation. (Source)
At present, there are no one-stop solutions for the problem. Clearing the browser cache and cookies only helps temporarily. However, this too has a big downside since you’ll have to login to all your accounts again. There’s one temporary trick that you can use if you only want to quickly perform a Google image search. For this, all you need to do is open an Incognito window and try again. A user claimed this worked for them.
That said, I’ll keep a close eye on the problem and will update the article if and when I come across any good workarounds, until a proper fix goes live. That’s all from my side.
FAQs
The filter is designed to help people protect themselves and their families from inadvertently encountering explicit imagery on Search. The setting is the new default for people who don't already have the SafeSearch filter turned on.
How to fix blurry Google images? ›
On your smartphone, click open the Google Photos folder. Select the blurred photo to edit. Once you select the photo, click the Edit button. Now, select the Unblur option.
Why are some images blurred? ›
With very wide apertures so little of the photo might be in focus, giving it an appearance of having too much blur. Using very narrow apertures causes light to refract in the lens, causing images to appear soft.
How do I Unblur Google search results? ›
Change SafeSearch settings
- On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google app .
- At the top right, tap your profile picture or initial Settings. SafeSearch.
- Select Filter, Blur, or Off. At the top right, if you find a Lock , your SafeSearch setting is locked.
After a photo is blurred and published, the blur can't be removed from the photo.
How do I Uncensor my Google search? ›
If you have your own Google Account, you can manage SafeSearch for your personal account or browser. On your computer, go to your SafeSearch settings. Select Filter, Blur, or Off.
Why is Google blocking my adult content? ›
SafeSearch is set to Filter automatically when Google's systems indicate you may be under 18.
Why won t Google let me turn off SafeSearch? ›
Your SafeSearch setting can be set to "Filter" and locked by your account, device, or network administrator. You can check if your SafeSearch setting is locked at google.com/safesearch. If your setting is locked, at the top right, you'll find a Lock . More info about how your setting is managed is available below.
Can blurry images be fixed? ›
As digital technology advances, post-processing software from companies like Topaz, Luminar, OnOne, and Adobe can now fix blurry images by restoring them to focus. Advanced post-processing software can apply tools through AI and sharpen up blurry images, some without leaving a hint of an artifact.
Why is Google blurring out images? ›
The toughest Google SafeSearch setting is only automatically enabled for signed-in users under 18. But, the explicit image blur is on by default for everyone. On a personal device, SafeSearch can be disabled by anyone, as long as you're not using a supervised account with parental controls.
Google has rolled out a new SafeSearch feature that automatically blurs explicit (meaning violent, sexual, etc.) images in its results. This will occur for all users by default — including those who don't have SafeSearch enabled.
How to remove blur in Chrome? ›
Using Browser Extensions
Extensions like 'Unblur' can quickly reveal blurred content. Step-by-Step Guide: Install the Extension: Visit the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons and search for 'Unblur '. Activate the Extension: Once installed, click on the extension icon in your browser toolbar.
Why is Google censoring my search results? ›
Google Search. In the United States, Google commonly filters search results to comply with Digital Millennium Copyright Act-related legal complaints.
Why has Google image search changed? ›
Instead, it takes you to the source of the image, which is a very important difference. For those of us on the creative side of the industry, the intent behind this change is both obvious and welcome. Google simply didn't want to be responsible for stolen content and copyright violations anymore.
Why is Google filtering my searches? ›
SafeSearch is set to Filter automatically when Google's systems indicate you may be under 18. If you can't change your SafeSearch setting, it might be because it's being controlled by your account, device, or network administrator.
