Google Image & Video Search Test Blurring Explicit Content, Instead Of Removing It

May 1, 2023 - 7:21 am 1 by
Filed Under Google

Google Woman Blurred Logo

Google Image Search and Google Video Search has historically simply removed content from its search results when you ask it to filter explicit content using SafeSearch. Now it seems Google is blurring out content, like they do in social media, asking you to click to reveal the image if you want to see it.

I personally cannot replicate this, so I am assuming this is a test of sorts or maybe this is how it recently works in India.

Khushal Bherwani shared this on Twitter showing images that are blurred over with an eye that is crossed out icon. When you click on the image and it opens in the Google Image viewer, it says "this image may contain explicit content. SafeSearch blurring is on."

Here are screenshots:

click for full size

click for full size

I do not see a SafeSearch setting to turn on or off blurring, do you?

Khushal Bherwani said he sees the same thing with video results on Google.

Forum discussion at Twitter.

Update: Glenn Gabe said this was announced a few months ago, but now seems to be rolling out. He now sees it:

 

Popular Categories

The Pulse of the search community

Search Video Recaps

 
Video Details More Videos Subscribe to Videos

Most Recent Articles

Search Forum Recap

Daily Search Forum Recap: December 5, 2025

Dec 5, 2025 - 10:00 am
Search Video Recaps

Search News Buzz Video Recap: Google Search Volatility, AI Mode Taking Over Search, Search Console AI Configurator & 22 Year Anniversary

Dec 5, 2025 - 8:01 am
Google Maps

Google API Doc Hints Service Areas Not A Local Ranking Factor

Dec 5, 2025 - 7:51 am
Google Search Engine Optimization

Google Search Console Performance Report Tests AI Powered Configurator

Dec 5, 2025 - 7:41 am
Google Search Engine Optimization

Google Search Console Average Impression Increased For Many

Dec 5, 2025 - 7:31 am
Google Search Engine Optimization

Google Merchant Center New Regional Member Pricing (Beta)

Dec 5, 2025 - 7:21 am
 
Previous Story: Poll: Most SEOs Got Started By Reading & Practicing Alone