VAR blasts Google over SafeSearch porn loophole
Cornish reseller complains it is having to individually block illicit images after schoolkids find way around Google's filter
A reseller which supplies safe internet access to schools has spoken out against Google after receiving a series of complaints from customers claiming schoolchildren can access pornographic images while SafeSearch is turned on.
Penryn-based NCI Technologies said the problem was flagged last week, and since then, its staff have had to engage in the time-consuming process of individually blocking images.
The VAR's managing director Andy Trish was told by schools that when certain number combinations – of which there could be thousands – are entered into the image safe search, adult content is returned.
He claimed that his staff have blocked about 50 combinations so far, but that the job is "never complete" due to the high volume of images and number combinations. He said if the problem persists, he may have to recommend blocking Google Image search altogether.
Trish has attempted to contact Google on a number of occasions to raise the issue and have the content blocked, but claimed that it is "impossible" to get hold of the firm.
Google was unavailable when contacted by CRN, but on its SafeSearch website, it claims that the child-friendly search is not a foolproof option.
The website marketing information says: "Whether it is a deliberate attempt to view inappropriate material, or an innocent search term that brings up a questionable website, SafeSearch for Kids is the search tool designed to help keep kids safe...
"By no means does this do away with basic common sense about online safety...
"This website does not replace parental or teacher supervision. No safe search engine is perfect, so you may want to consider additional protection with security software beyond this free internet filter...
"We cannot guarantee that suggestive material will not show up in search results."
Trish added that the problem undermines his business and its ability to provide a safe internet experience to schools.
He said: "Until this is fixed, it is a big problem. Providing internet access securely using world-leading tools [is good], but when they don't work, it makes you look stupid.
"It is a worldwide problem [for Google] so schools cannot be upset with us. They are just shocked that Google can't control its safe search."
Independent IT consultant John Rudkin, who has worked in a variety of IT roles within schools and the public sector, said that while children will always find ways to beat the system, VARs should consider looking at working with lesser-known, niche vendors.
"There are always kids who find ways around [safe search proxies]; they find ways to get through the limitations, they are very creative. If Google calls it SafeSearch, it should be. On image searches, tags can be buried away and things get exposed that way," he said.
"There are some vendors who are coming along who are very much education-first with this. Some have created a bomb-proof system for working with video [for example], so that schools can use content in the most secure way. These are more specialist vendors though, and some resellers just do not know about them."
David Wright, director at Safer Internet Group, said that images returned from codes are tagged with numbers, meaning they often escape search engines' scrutiny, meaning a wider approach to internet security should be taken.
He said: "Filtering systems don't always guarantee not encountering inappropriate content, it just means there is a reduced likelihood. SafeSearch is not a panacea, and should be a tool within a range. It is more about education, reporting routines and supporting staff and children."