Google took advantage of Safer Internet Day, remembered this week, to implement new protection and security features to different services. Now, for example, inappropriate search results will appear blurred for users with SafeSearch enabled, while biometrics can be used together with the company’s password manager.
The first change will be added in the coming months around the world, but it is already active for users under 18 years of age when viewing explicit images. In the future, it will be the platform’s default, even for users not logged in or in incognito tabs, helping to protect unwanted image searches.
In the second case, the change comes in compatible devices, with the biometrics layer serving as another authentication factor in the use of passwords saved in the Google manager. On iOS, the company went even further and will add the use of Face ID not only to the system, but also to the applications themselves, ensuring that only the user himself is able to access tabs, search histories and other elements.
Still thinking about the little ones, Google also released an educational playlist on safe internet use on YouTube Kids. The videos bring tips and information delivered in a fun way, and can be used by parents with their children while they talk about data protection, scams and other risks arising from the daily use of the network.
The initiative comes alongside the reinforcement of other existing ones. Educational materials on the use of parental control systems, which allow monitoring and limiting the use of the internet by children, are available, as well as a special Turma da Mônica magazine, accompanied by online games and digital materials launched last year, serving as a material to teach children about data protection.
Brazilians’ interest in security has increased
In celebration of Safe Internet Day, Google also released data showing an increase in demand for terms related to digital protection in Brazil. In 2021, for example, searches for “password manager” increased by 80%, while since 2018, the term “coup” has registered a 150% increase.
Along with the last factor, searches for “recover password” also grew, with an increase of 50% in the last five years. For the company, this is a demonstration that users are more concerned with their digital day-to-day, seeking safer solutions for accessing online services and solutions for the most common doubts regarding credentials, attacks and other risks.
