Google has released new documentation to help websites that have been mistakenly filtered by its SafeSearch system. SafeSearch is designed to block explicit content from appearing in search results, but sometimes it can incorrectly flag non-explicit sites.
If your site has been affected, Google outlines three main steps to address the issue:
1. Check if Your Site Is Being Filtered by SafeSearch
To verify whether SafeSearch is filtering your website:
- Turn SafeSearch off , then perform a search that should return your page.
- Next, turn SafeSearch to “Filter” and see if your page disappears from the results. If it does, it’s likely being filtered.
- To check if your entire site is impacted, run a
site:search for your domain with SafeSearch set to “Filter.” If your site doesn’t appear, it may be fully blocked under SafeSearch.
2. Fix Common Mistakes
If you confirm that SafeSearch is filtering your site, Google provides a checklist to help identify and correct common issues that might have led to the incorrect flagging. Review your content carefully to ensure there are no unintentional elements triggering the filter.
3. Wait and Monitor (or Request a Review)
After fixing any issues, it typically takes two to three months for Google’s algorithmic systems to reclassify your site. Only after this period should you consider requesting a manual review through Google Search Console or other available channels.