We currently have all Google Lens related settings disabled for students, as well as having the side panel search setting disabled. While this hides those options from students, if a student right-clicks an image and chooses "Search image with Google," it will open up the side panel, as Google Lens, and can then be used for regular Google searches.
Note: This bypass only works when using Chrome on a Chromebook. When using Chrome on a non-Chromebook device, it simply opens up a new tab for the image search, which would be preferable.
I have been working with Google support and they have confirmed the settings are correct. The first person had me turn off some additional settings, including some that were already set to OFF, and then wait 24 hours to ensure implementation. When that didn't work, I was bounced around for about 2 hours and I was told that it was likely because we were still on OS 120 (Long-term support) and we needed to be on OS 126 or newer. I updated my test device to 132 (Long-term support) and the bypass still works.
Since it is an overlay, our monitoring app, GoGuardian, cannot โseeโ it, which means teachers donโt know when they are using it, and the filtering/restrictions do not get applied to it. Since I have already spent 2 hours with support today, being passed around, I'm going to wait until tomorrow to try again. Until then, does anyone else have any suggestions on how to fully disable the side panel overlay from being used?
Positive Note: As of now, clicking a link in the overlay opens a new tab, which can then be affected by GoGuardian. Additionally, Safe Search is still enforced for image searches in the overlay. While this bypass is not a major issue, currently, I am concerned that students may find other inappropriate uses for the overlay, and it won't be monitored.
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