In an exciting development for users who prioritize privacy and quality in their online searches, a popular privacy-centric search engine has introduced a new feature that enables individuals to filter out AI-generated images from their search results. This enhancement comes as a direct response to user feedback, highlighting the growing concern over the prevalence of AI-generated content that can obscure genuine search results.
How to Access the New Image Filter
To utilize this innovative feature, users simply need to perform a search and navigate to the Images section. Here, they will find a newly added drop-down menu labeled ‘AI images.’ This menu provides the option to either display or hide AI-generated content, allowing users to tailor their search experience according to their preferences.
Adjusting Settings for a Personalized Experience
For those who wish to have a more streamlined experience, the filter can also be activated directly from the search settings. By selecting the ‘Hide AI-Generated Images’ option, users can ensure that their search results are free from AI-generated visuals, enhancing the relevance of the images they encounter.
Addressing the Rise of Low-Quality AI Content
This new feature is particularly timely, as the internet faces an influx of low-quality media often referred to as ‘AI slop.’ This term describes the subpar content produced by generative AI technologies, which can detract from the overall quality of online information. The introduction of this filter aims to combat this trend by providing users with more control over the content they see.
How the Filter Works
The filtering mechanism relies on a collection of manually curated open-source blocklists, including comprehensive lists designed to minimize the visibility of AI-generated images. While the filter may not eliminate all instances of AI content, it significantly reduces the likelihood of encountering such images during searches.
Future Enhancements on the Horizon
Looking ahead, the search engine has indicated plans to introduce additional filtering options, although specific details have yet to be disclosed. This commitment to improving user experience reflects the ongoing evolution of search technology in response to user needs.
Contextual Relevance in Image Searches
Interestingly, the search engine’s promotional example for this feature involved an image search for a baby peacock. This choice likely alludes to previous controversies surrounding the display of AI-generated images over authentic photographs in similar searches, underscoring the importance of this new filtering capability.