Using SafeSearch to Filter Out Explicit, Adult-oriented Content
Last Updated: October 26, 2009
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The Yahoo! SafeSearch feature is designed to filter out explicit, adult-oriented content from Yahoo! Search results. And while your search results are filtered to remove possible objectionable material, Yahoo! cannot guarantee that all explicit content will be recognized and removed from your results every time.

If you are not signed-in to Yahoo!, SearchScan defaults will be used. If you are logged into your Yahoo! account, SafeSearch can be set to one of three modes:

  • Strict: Filters out adult Web, video, and image search results. SafeSearch is ON.
  • Moderate: Filters out adult video and image search results only. SafeSearch is ON.
  • Off: Does not filter search results. SafeSearch is OFF.

When SafeSearch is ON the checkmark-shield icon is GREEN. If the checkmark-shield icon is gray, then one or more levels of protection have been turned off.

SafeSearch lock:

SafeSearch lock can be activated when you are signed-in to your Yahoo! user account. This setting prevents anyone other than you from changing your SafeSearch Filter settings. SafeSearch lock works when you are signed out or if an underaged user is signed in. Click the "Learn more" link to get detailed information on parental controls.

Setting SafeSearch:

You can select the preferred setting in the "Preferences" section of Yahoo! Search. To display the Yahoo! Search preferences window, click "Options", then click the "Preferences" link which is located to the right of the search box.

By default, SafeSearch is set to "Moderate". Additionally, the preference setting can be password protected. When SafeSearch is active, you can be assured that your Yahoo! Search results are being filtered, any time that your computer is in use.

Please remember that Yahoo! SafeSearch cannot guarantee that all explicit content will be recognized and filtered out of your search results.

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