Google has updated its SafeSearch documentation and ranking algorithm to improve handling of explicit content and videos. The revamped documentation provides updated guidance on moderating explicit content, eliminating CSAM and non-consensual content, and managing video sharing. It also offers clearer instructions for sites incorrectly flagged as explicit and separates troubleshooting for better clarity.
Key Updates to Ranking Algorithm and SafeSearch
- The ranking algorithm now more strongly penalizes sites hosting explicit videos that do not allow Googlebot to crawl the video files. Such sites may see significant ranking drops, especially in Video mode.
- Sites with content behind age gates or access restrictions must allow Googlebot to crawl without triggering the age gate by verifying Googlebot requests and serving content accordingly.
- Failure to allow Googlebot access can cause poor ranking because Google cannot fetch content like images or video bytes, reducing the ability to rank pages effectively.
- If non-explicit content is hidden behind age gates inaccessible to Googlebot, the site or content may be automatically classified as explicit, making it ineligible to appear when SafeSearch is enabled.
These changes aim to help site owners better reach their audience while respecting user preferences and minimizing access to violative explicit content.
