Google is empowering users to play judge-and-jury, by blocking search results they deem as anything from offensive to low-quality.
The new algorithm, allowing the ability to block search results from a particular domain, has been set afloat for users of Chrome 9 and above, Internet Explorer 8 and above, and Firefox 3.5 and above. Currently supporting the English language on Google.com, the company aims to deliver the new functionality across other regions, languages and browser platforms in the future.
A Google account is the only pre-requisite required to fully tap into the new sandbox, which strives to give users greater control whilst taking advantage of a more personalised and enjoyable Google experience.
Integrated into the search results delivered, the new option to block all results from the offending domain will appear allowing users to make, and confirm, their intentions. Future searches will no longer display results from the domain in question yet if the user decides they've acted in haste, the option to undo their actions will be available.
The role of executioner hasn't been filled yet, with the company confirming that in the meantime, data collected from use of the new algorithm will not influence search rankings. Should this become a metric used in the future however, it could set out a rather interesting playing field.
