CYBERSPACE — Google is allowing users to hide or block sites from future search results from within the search engine.
According to reports, Google’s increase in site blocking is putting pressure on domains that may be perceived as spam or low quality.
The new blocking feature works when a user conducts a Google search and follows a link that they decide they want to block; he or she can return to the search results and find a new link in the search entry with the option of blocking that domain.
After users confirm their decision, the blocked domain will be hidden from future results.
Blocked sites are manageable from a new page in the search setting menu, where they can be reinstated. Additionally, users will get a reminder in their results if a search would have included a blocked site.
Google previously added the Personal Blocklist Chrome extension as a tool to identify spam content. According to the company, rather than actively banning websites itself, Google is choosing to equip its users with more blocking tools.
