Google Instant Search, launched yesterday, does not talk dirty. The Google Instant Search tool makes predictions as you type, but if those suggestions are X-rated then Instant Search will keep schtum, and won’t make any searches or suggestions.
The odd thing is that this is also true of some more… biological terminology, which leads us to think that Google Instant Search is not only trying to add a buffer between hardcore porn sites and unwitting Google users, but is also a bit of a prude.
It’s not secret though, and is all part of an official Google blacklist that was announced at yesterday’s press event. It was revealed when a reporter named Slutsky pointed out that her name did not generate Google Instant Search results.
Google product manager Johanna Wright said: “We care a lot about child safety and these kinds of issues, so we had to think a lot about auto-complete and how that works as you’re getting the results.. so we filter for violence, hate, and pornography. As a result, if you’re typing for something that may not be appropriate for certain people to see, you won’t see results until you press enter.”
[via The Register]
