Content suddenly being blocked including search results and images

[Anonymous]

Okay been an O2 PAYG customer with the same number for years and I have proved my age with photo ID many years ago.

Suddenly starting from today I am getting content blocked and search on Google is blocking results and images, Safe Search is on in settings on google and if I turn it off it turns back on again, I am getting the same sort of problem with other search engines and mulitiple websites like youtube.

This is not even the same as before you prove your age (Like blocking adult sites etc) But is like some kind of very strict parental control that block almost everything - what is going on? 

[MI5]

@Anonymous 

O2 have recently made changes to their Parental Control settings.

You need to contact O2 to turn them off.
All numbers are in this guide Guide: Coronavirus Community Help and Support 
Or 202 from your O2 mobile.
Advice from an O2 Guru to get through:
When you call 202, you will be asked for the reason you are calling.
Stay silent for 15 seconds and you will be taken to the keypad options.
Press 2 for Everything Else
Press 5 for More Options
Press 7 for Anything Else which will put you though to someone.
You can also try saying "Upgrade" or "Fraud" to be connected to an advisor.

[madasaf1sh]

@Anonymous

What is the exact error you are getting from Google? or the other search engines?

And are you on WiFi or Mobile Data?

[MI5]

See this post @Anonymous 

May be related https://community.o2.co.uk/t5/O2-Gurus/YouTube-being-Age-Restricted/m-p/1407455

[Anonymous]

Hi MI5 thanks for the reply, yeah I read that about youtube, it seems that O2 is forcing google safe search to on, If I turn it off it goes back on.
So O2 is blocking search results! what ever next?
I tried that 202 number and I just get a solid tone like it's not available, maybe that is banned as well?

[MI5]

@Anonymous 

I guess 202 is just stacked out with calls (Covid and all those other excuses etc).

Try the other numbers in this link Guide: Coronavirus Community Help and Support 

[madasaf1sh]

@Anonymous

I doubt o2 are blocking search results that would be very odd...

As i asked what is the error message / returned message from the search as this will tell you what is blocking the traffic

@O2Emma and @O2Waqas can you help here?

[O2Emma]

Hi @Anonymous the SafeSearch is a age restriction put in place to protect from certain sites images on Google and Youtube you will need to verify your age. As you are a Pay and Go cust this can only be done in a o2 store with photo id.

Sorry for any inconvenience has been caused.

[O2Emma]

@madasaf1sh I have picked this up thanks.

[Anonymous]

@O2Emma Hi, I have already verified my age instore. Why do I have to do it again?

I'm not likely to be getting younger with time.

Is it a ploy to get PAYG customers signed up? Just in time for Black Friday...  I wonder.