Table of Contents
Introduction
SafeSearch is a filtering system used by search engines like Google and Bing to block explicit and inappropriate content from search results. It helps prevent users, especially children, from accidentally accessing pornographic, violent or other objectionable content.
However, SafeSearch filtering can sometimes be overly restrictive, blocking content that is not necessarily inappropriate. For adult users who want unfiltered access to search results, completely turning off SafeSearch is necessary.
Why You Might Want to Disable SafeSearch
There are a few key reasons why an adult user might want to disable SafeSearch filters:
- Access Unfiltered Search Results – With SafeSearch on, a significant amount of content including text, images and videos is blocked from search results. Turning it off gives complete unrestricted access.
- Research Purposes – For some kinds of research, it helps to have access to uncensored results on controversial or adult topics. With SafeSearch disabled, researchers can view the full breadth of available information.
- Freedom of Access – Some users see mandatory filtering as a form of censorship, and prefer to have unfiltered access as a matter of personal freedom and choice.
Methods to Completely Disable SafeSearch
There are a few different methods you can use to reliably turn off SafeSearch filtering across search engines:
Use Search Engine Settings
Most major search engines provide settings where you can turn SafeSearch on or off:
- Google – Go to Google Settings > Search Settings > SafeSearch Filters > Turn off
- Bing – Go to Bing Settings > SafeSearch > Turn Off
- YouTube – Go to YouTube Settings > Show me most relevant results, even if they’re sensitive > Deselect
Use a Proxy Site
Proxy sites act as an intermediary between you and the search engine and can bypass filtering. For example:
- KProxy.com
- Hidester.com
- Proxysite.com
Simply visit the proxy site, enter the search engine URL you want to access (e.g. Google.com) and search without filters.
Use Tor Browser
The Tor browser routes your traffic through multiple servers making it extremely difficult to track. Since search engines cannot identify you, SafeSearch is automatically disabled.
Use a VPN
Connecting to a VPN masks your IP address and location, again making it harder for search engines to apply filtering. Turning on a VPN before searching usually deactivates SafeSearch.
What to Keep in Mind
When completely disabling SafeSearch, keep the following factors in mind:
- Legal Compliance – In some countries, completely unfiltered access may violate laws related to viewing explicit content. Check your local regulations.
- Work/Public Computers – If disabling SafeSearch on computers shared by multiple parties, be considerate regarding exposing others to explicit results.
- Monitoring Minors – Parents may choose to selectively disable SafeSearch on their own devices but leave it enabled on devices used by children.
Completely disabling SafeSearch gives you unrestricted access to search engine results. Use this ability responsibly and legally. Consider enabling SafeSearch filtering whenever appropriate as an extra safety measure, especially when minors are involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is disabling SafeSearch illegal?
In most countries, it is not illegal for consenting adults to turn off SafeSearch and access uncensored search engine results. However, actively searching for and accessing child pornography and other illegal content is a crime.
Can schools or parents permanently enable SafeSearch?
Yes. Many parental control software solutions allow enforcing SafeSearch system-wide for all users. Schools also often enable permanent filtering across all devices on their networks.
Does Incognito/InPrivate browsing disable SafeSearch?
No. Incognito and InPrivate modes only disable browser history tracking. They do not affect SafeSearch settings, which are controlled separately by the search engine itself.
Can SafeSearch be disabled on public library computers?
Most libraries keep mandatory filtering enabled on all computers to prevent patrons from accessing explicit sites and imagery in public. Disabling SafeSearch is usually not possible.
In Conclusion
Disabling SafeSearch gives adult users complete unfiltered access to search engine results. Multiple methods can reliably turn filtering off across Google, Bing and other search providers. Understand local laws, be considerate of public computer use and monitor children appropriately after turning SafeSearch off.
