MS Makes Good on Promise, Bing Now Has Porn Filter

Dennis Faas's picture

With the eyes of the world watching the mass marketing blitz of Microsoft's latest search engine Bing, many have suggested the company filter out adult content to keep it away from children and those who simply don't want to see it.

It is no secret that this kind of content continues to top the charts when ranking the most popular online material being sought out using an Internet search engine.

Subdomains: Microsoft's Answer to Online Porn Filtration

When Bing first launched, Microsoft expressed their desire to filter out porn content. But many wondered how it would be able to pull off such a seemingly infinite task.

Microsoft has now apparently found a happy medium by categorically separating the search engine domains.

According to Bing general manager, Mike Nichols, adult-only images and video will now be served from a subdomain. The subdomain (explicit.bing.net) is required so that this form of entertainment can be easily barred from Bing search results. (Source: indiatimes.com)

Explicit Subdomain Works Seamless with Filtering Software

The separation is almost invisible to the user, but it still makes for an easier way to block porn content.

Nichols also stated that information about which domain the explicit pictures or video are coming from will be served up in a manner that makes it more apparent to content filtering software. (Source: msn.com)

The "Decision (Search) Engine"

Microsoft continues its struggle to distinguish Bing from rivals, claiming that their new search engine is actually a "Decision Engine" designed to help people plan trips, research health matters or find local establishments.

In focusing on more areas that answer the needs of a larger audience (such as adult content filters), Microsoft could continue to broaden their user base, especially since the search engine is still a rather new and hot topic these days. Finding effective ways to repair the shortcomings of rival services could just be the thing needed to give Bing a distinct advantage in the long run.

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