Is Google Hiding Porn on Image Search?

We're sure none of our esteemed readers would ever use Google's wholesome Image Search to find filthy pictures of naked people committing depraved acts. But on the off chance that you do, you might notice that it's a little harder to find what you're looking for. Google yesterday implemented a change in its SafeSearch settings that some users are complaining is filtering out porn. "What is this? communism?! BRING BACK THE PORN!" one Reddit user complained yesterday.

But a Google spokesman tells CNET that nothing's being censored. "We want to show users exactly what they are looking for," he explains. "If you're looking for adult content, you can find it without changing the default setting—you just may need to be more explicit in your query." Indeed, it seems that SafeSearch is now off by default, with the drop-down box offering only the option to "filter explicit results." So if you're not finding what you're looking for, try adding words like, "sex," "porn," or "balloon bondage fetish." (More SafeSearch stories.)