NNSquad - Network Neutrality Squad
[ NNSquad ] Google introduces SafeSearch locking ... but ....
Google has introduced a function to allow the "locking" of SafeSearch mode so that -- supposedly -- children cannot easily change SafeSearch settings: http://bit.ly/qxVEE (Official Google Blog) This is a laudable effort. Unfortunately, it is problematic how effective it will be against today's young and sophisticated Web surfers. Disabling this feature reportedly is as simple as clearing browser cookies, using a different browser or user account, and so on. The locking may be effective with the youngest children, but I suspect that in short order kids will be trading instructions and scripts not only for disabling the lock in various ways, but also to make sure that the lock is re-enabled when they're finished, and perhaps even to fake the Google Balls graphic that appears to indicate that SafeSearch lock is "activated." Still, from Google's standpoint, there isn't much more very practical that they can do about this unilaterally, and there's nothing wrong with the effort, so long as parents understand the very real limitations of the technique. --Lauren-- NNSquad Moderator