Kiddle Kiddie Search Controversy

A search engine aimed at children has caused controversy due to its list of blocked words.

16:36 02 March 2016

Kiddle, which aims to make the Internet safer for children, was registered in 2014 and although it is not connected to Google, it is powered by the tech giant.

 

It screens every word that children are using and among the blocked words are lesbian and gay, something that angered the campaign group Stonewall.

 

Kiddle says search terms are “handpicked and checked” by its editors.

 

It also blocks the term circumcision but not female genital mutilation, suicide but not self-harm, and actress Pamela Anderson but not Fifty Shades of Grey.

 

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender terms also yield no results because the site "cannot guarantee the safety" of such searches.

"Young people regularly use the internet to find information on LGBT issues," a Stonewall spokesperson said.

 

"Attempting to stop young people finding safe and age-appropriate content of this nature will force many young lesbian, gay, bi and trans people to seek it elsewhere. This can take individuals down inappropriate avenues which might put them at risk.

 

"Kiddle should rethink its approach to blocking valuable LGBT advice and information."