Preventing Google Image Search from Showing Inappropriate Thumbnail Images and Search Suggestions

Summary

When users search using Google images, inappropriate images sometimes show in the related images area or as part of the search suggestions.

Problem

The Google image search interface use a presentation method to create it's interface that obscures some of the source links from the Guardian web filter. This can result in some inappropriate thumbnails being shown. Access to the source of those thumbnails will still be blocked.

Solution

Apply the content modification rule called "Google Image Search: Basic Mode" to revert back to the older method of displaying image search results,where the Guardian web filter can see all the source links and filter effectively.

1. On the GUARDIAN menu, under the Content modification submenu, click Manage policies.
2. Check if a policy is listed that applies to the category "Web Search". A policy to enable SafeSearch on web searches is part of the standard setup on a Smoothwall system.
   • If such a policy exists, click Edit and add the "Google Image Search: Basic Mode" in the Action step.
   • If no policy is in place for "Web Search", create a new policy and add the following:
     1. Who: Everyone (or specific user groups)
     2. What: Web Search
     3. Where: Everywhere
     4. Action: Add these content modification policies - "SafeSearch via CONNECT header", "Google Image Search: Basic Mode" and "Force SafeSearch".
3. Click Save and confirm the policy. Restart browsers and test the image search results.

Note: HTTPS decrypt and inspect has to be enabled for the "Google Image Search: Basic Mode" content modification to be effective.