Free service highlights dangerous or inappropriate websites

Web filtering firm ScanSafe has launched a free beta search service designed to help consumers avoid dangerous or inappropriate sites.

Scandoo shows a cross or a tick next to search results to let users know how sites are rated by ScanSafe.

Users can run the mouse over one of these icons to display information about the site and find out what they can expect to see.

"It's a predictive web tool available to anyone who uses the internet who may be worried about whether the web search results they get are safe or appropriate to click on," said a ScanSafe spokesman.

"When you type in a search term it analyses your search results in real time, so at a glance you can see if a website is OK to click on, suspect or a complete no-go area."

The service does not currently block or prevent users from accessing any sites, and the company describes it as more of an early warning to enable users to make an informed choice.

Users can set up preferences for areas they want to mark as dangerous, including websites featuring hate and discrimination, illegal activities, sex and nudity or gambling.

Scandoo will eventually let people search major search engines such as Google, Yahoo, MSN and Ask, although the beta currently only allows Google searches.

ScanSafe said that it is aiming the service at families with young kids or teenagers who are nervous about clicking on inappropriate sites, or people at work who are worried about following dodgy links that could get them in trouble with the IT department.

Scandoo will also tell users whether a site contains malicious code like spyware, adware or a virus.