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Many users in Australia have reported that American sites come up in their search results, even when they are using a VPN. This issue is not limited to a particular search engine, as it has been observed on Google, DuckDuckGo, and Bing. Several factors could contribute to this phenomenon, including the user's search settings, the search engine's geo-location database, and the any country filter. Users can try to resolve this issue by adjusting their search settings and selecting the Australian region to restrict results to Australian sites.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Search engine used | |
| Google search settings | Results region not set to Australia |
| Google account location | Not set to Australia |
| VPN used | ExpressVPN |
| VPN location | Not set to Australia |
| Google's geo-location database for IPs | May be incorrect |
| Google search results | Mostly American |
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What You'll Learn
Google search settings and results region
If you are in Australia and are getting American sites in your Google search results, there are a few things you can try to change this. Firstly, check which Google site you are using as your default search engine. If you are using google.com instead of google.com.au, this may be why you are getting US results. You can change your default search engine to Google Australia, which should make it more likely that you receive Australian sites in your search results.
Another option is to go into your Google search settings and change your results region to Australia. To do this, scroll down to the 'Search features' section on the Overview page of your chosen search engine, and select Australia from the dropdown list in the 'Region' section. You can also choose to restrict search results exclusively to the selected region by toggling the Region-restricted results option on or off.
Additionally, you can try adding "site:.au" to your search queries (without the quotation marks). This will eliminate results outside the Australian domain. However, please note that doing this may also exclude results from Australian companies whose websites do not use the .au domain.
It is worth noting that some users have reported that Google search results have become worse over the years, with results often showing what the algorithm thinks you want to see, rather than what you are actually searching for. This may be another reason why you are getting American sites in your search results, even if your settings are correct.
Finally, if you are using a VPN, this may be affecting your search results. Some users have reported that even with a VPN, they are still getting Australian results when searching from outside the country. This could be because Google uses your account details location and not your physical IP location.
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Using a VPN
There are a few reasons why American sites might be appearing in your search results when you are based in Australia. Firstly, it could be due to your Google settings. Google may be set to prioritise American sites, or your results region may be set to the United States. To change this, you can go into your Google search settings and adjust your results region to Australia.
Another reason could be that your VPN is set to a US location. Using a VPN can help protect your privacy and security online, but it can also affect the location that websites and search engines think you are browsing from. If you are using a VPN, check that your location is set to Australia. If you are using Google, you can also try changing your Google preferences to the region you want to be in and then reloading your VPN. Additionally, make sure your location is turned off on your mobile device, as this can also impact the search results you see.
If you are looking for a VPN to use in Australia, there are several options available. NordVPN is one popular choice, offering robust encryption, a large server network, and military-grade security features. It also has a feature called Double VPN, which changes your IP address twice and adds an extra layer of encryption. Surfshark is another VPN that performs well in Australia, with the unique advantage of an IP Rotator feature, which changes your server IP every five to ten minutes, helping to avoid streaming service blocks. Proton VPN, Private Internet Access, and CyberGhost VPN are also VPNs that work well in Australia.
It is important to note that while VPNs can enhance your security and privacy, they do not guarantee complete protection. For example, they may not stop DDoS attacks if your IP address is known to the attacker. Additionally, while VPNs are legal in Australia, they do not give you a pass to engage in illegal activities such as torrenting pirated material, which can result in significant fines and imprisonment.
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Google's custom geo-location database
Google utilises a custom geolocation database, leveraging cellular device data fields, cell tower data, and WiFi access point data to pinpoint a user's location. This technology, known as the Geolocation API, provides latitude and longitude coordinates with an accuracy radius.
While Google's geolocation database is sophisticated, it is not perfect, and there are several reasons why Australian users might encounter American sites in their search results. Firstly, Google's search settings and algorithms may contribute to the issue. Google may prioritise global or American sites due to their higher web traffic or broader appeal, inadvertently pushing down Australian sites in the results ranking.
Additionally, Google's algorithms may interpret certain search terms as having a broader context, thus providing results from a wider geographic scope, including American sites. Another factor could be the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). When an Australian user connects to a VPN, their physical location may be masked, causing Google to present results relevant to the VPN's location, potentially resulting in American sites appearing in their searches.
Google provides tools to customise search regions, allowing users to specify their preferred country or domain. Users can adjust their search settings or utilise country-specific Google domains, such as "google.com.au," to prioritise Australian sites in their search results.
It is worth noting that other search engines, such as DuckDuckGo or Bing, may offer alternative geolocation databases and provide more accurate location-based results. Additionally, users can explore third-party geolocation databases, such as Ip2Location, MaxMind, or Tamo Soft, which offer varying levels of accuracy and can be integrated into web applications to enhance location-based services.
In summary, while Google's custom geolocation database is advanced, it is not infallible, and a combination of algorithmic biases, search term interpretations, and location-masking technologies like VPNs can contribute to the prevalence of American sites in Australian users' search results. Users can employ specific tools and settings within Google or explore alternative search engines and geolocation databases for more accurate and location-specific results.
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Google's in-house location data
Google utilises location data in various ways to enhance user experiences and provide tailored content. This includes offering locally relevant and faster search results, presenting websites in the appropriate language, and bolstering the security of its services. Google's Privacy Policy outlines how the company handles location data, giving users control over its usage.
Google's location data usage varies based on the service, device settings, and account configurations. The company may use or store location information to deliver tailored services when users interact with Google products. For instance, Google can suggest nearby coffee shops in Chelsea if that area has been previously searched. This functionality is part of the Web & App Activity setting, which allows Google to save activity data and associated location information to personalise experiences across Google services.
Google Maps Timeline is another feature that relies on location data. When enabled, Timeline regularly saves the precise device location, even when Google apps are not in use. This data is used to create a map of visited places and travelled routes, accessible for review and deletion at any time. Additionally, with Web & App Activity enabled, Timeline data helps businesses estimate the effectiveness of their ads in driving store visits, although only anonymous estimates are shared, protecting personal information.
Google also leverages location data to detect and prevent fraud and abuse, as well as to improve and develop its services, including ad products. Location History, which is off by default, can be turned on to allow Google to collect precise location information from eligible mobile devices, even when Google apps are inactive. This data is utilised to assist businesses in understanding if their ads attract customers to their physical stores.
Google's Places API is another example of its in-house location data usage. This service accepts HTTP requests for location data and provides formatted location information, imagery, and details about establishments, geographic locations, and points of interest. The Places API enables the creation of location-aware features, such as place search, autocomplete, details retrieval, and photo integration.
To address the issue of American sites appearing in search results when in Australia, several adjustments can be made. One solution is to add "site:.au" to the search query to restrict results to the Australian domain. Alternatively, using Google's search settings, the "Results region" can be changed to Australia. Additionally, using google.com.au instead of google.com may yield more relevant local results.
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Google's Australian site
Google has had a presence in Australia for over 20 years, starting with just one employee in 2002 and growing to a team of over 2000. Google Australia supports Australian businesses in growing online and becoming more resilient with free tools and training. The company has also invested over A$90 million in supporting eligible not-for-profit organisations with in-kind Google ads.
Google also invests in Australian infrastructure, research, and partnerships to help build a strong digital economy, create new opportunities, and solve big challenges. As part of the Digital Future Initiative, Google is investing A$1 billion in Australia, partnering with leading marine experts like CSIRO to restore Tasmania's Giant Kelp Forests.
Google acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the original custodians of Australia and commits to elevating Indigenous Australian voices and experiences through its products, platforms, and people.
It is worth noting that some users have reported issues with Google's search settings, stating that it has gotten worse in recent times. They have mentioned that the results are often mostly American unless specific locations ("au" or "qld") are added to the search query. This can be a hassle for users who then have to take extra steps to find relevant Australian results.
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Frequently asked questions
Your search engine settings may be set to show global results. Try changing your settings to prioritise Australian sites.
You can set www.google.com.au as your homepage. Via the advanced search settings, you can select the Australian region to restrict search results.
You can use DuckDuckGo or Bing, and set your search settings to Australia.
Yes, you can add "site:.au" to your query (without the quotation marks) to eliminate results outside the Australian .au domain.
