We’re all about keeping things safe here at Ann Summers.
We’ve been championing open, confident conversations about pleasure since 1972. That’s why we want to talk openly about Google’s SafeSearch feature and how it may be stopping some customers from finding us online.
SafeSearch was designed to help protect people under 18 from explicit content - a cause we wholeheartedly support. However, the way this filter currently works means it can mistakenly hide perfectly legitimate sites like ours.
As a result, we estimate that over 3 million visitors haven’t been able to reach our website (just imagine the missed orgasms…truly heartbreaking).
If you’ve struggled to find us through Google recently, SafeSearch or your internet provider’s filters may be the reason. Let's explore that a little more...
1. Google’s SafeSearch is enabled
SafeSearch is now turned on by default if Google cannot confidently confirm your age. Even though the Ann Summers website doesn’t contain explicit content, SafeSearch may still block it from appearing in your search results.
This can affect:
- Adults using shared devices.
- New Google accounts.
- Devices without age verification.
- Mobile browsers or apps signed out of Google.
How to Turn Off SafeSearch (Adults Only)
Option A: From the search results page
- Search for Ann Summers on Google.
- At the top of the page, locate the SafeSearch control.
- Toggle it from Filter to Off.
Option B: Using your Google profile
- Click your profile icon in the top‑right corner.
- Select SafeSearch.
- Switch the setting to Off.
If Google doesn’t already know your age, it may ask you to verify it.
2. Your internet provider (ISP) may be filtering adult‑coded websites
Most UK broadband and mobile providers - such as Sky, BT, Vodafone, EE, O2 and others - apply network‑wide content filters by default. These filters can block websites they classify as adult, even when the content isn’t explicit.
ISP filters:
- Are turned on by default for many households
- Apply across the whole network, meaning incognito mode won’t bypass them
- May require you to adjust content‑filtering or parental‑control settings at account level
The good news is that you can easily update these settings if you wish.
How to Adjust ISP Filters (Adults Only)
To update your internet provider’s filter settings:
- Log in to your broadband or mobile provider’s account dashboard.
- Look for options such as:
- Parental Controls.
- Web Safe.
- Kids Safe.
- Content Filtering.
- Adjust the settings to allow access to all retail websites.
- You may be asked to prove your age.
Some providers let you whitelist specific websites, so you can keep your family‑friendly controls while allowing access to sites you trust.
If you’d like help managing filters around children or teens, Internet Matters offers excellent guidance for all major UK ISPs.
You Can Always Access Us Directly
If Google or your ISP is blocking your search results, head straight to:
👉 annsummers.com
Save it as a bookmark for instant access next time.