According to Google Korea, Google applied the ‘Safe Search’ feature to searches conducted through the Google Korea (https://www.google.co.kr/) portal. (Image : Yonhap)
SEOUL, Dec.15 (Korea Bizwire) – Google has forcibly applied its ‘Safe Search’ pornography blocking program to Korean language sites.
According to Google Korea, Google applied the ‘Safe Search’ feature to searches conducted through the Google Korea (https://www.google.co.kr/) portal.
Safe Search is a program that automatically excludes inappropriate content such as pornography from search results.
The Safe Search program was a feature on the Google Korea site for a long time, but could only be used if a user activated it in their browser settings.
However, as Google set the Safe Search feature as a default last week, Korean Google users will now only see search results without obscene material.
The problem is that the Safe Search option cannot be deactivated by a user.
Although there is still a ‘Stop using Safe Search’ icon in the settings menu, it doesn’t work.
Some online communities are complaining that although they have no obscene content at all, they are somehow getting blocked from the search results due to the Safe Search feature.
Google Korea officials commented that Google headquarters is aware of the issue, and employees are looking into the problem.
By Francine Jung (francine.jung@kobizmedia.co.kr)
