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Block Partial Content on Pages with GAT Shield

GAT Shield allows you to block segments of some of the pages, such as youtube.com or google.com by using Block Partial Content on Pages feature.

What Is the Block Partial Content on Pages Feature? #

Instead of blocking full websites, GAT Shield lets you block specific content sections within pages. Admins can apply this to reduce distractions, remove unneeded widgets, and prevent student access to embedded games or comments.

Supported templates include:

  • Google Translate widgets on Google search – This option removes widget dedicated to Google Translate from Google Search engine
  • Block the comments section on YouTube – This option removes the comments section on youtube.com
  • Remove related videos sidebar on YouTube – This option removes the ‘Related Videos’ sidebar on YouTube
  • Block games embedded into Google Search – This option blocks games like Snake and Pac-Man that are embedded into Google search – Does not block widgets like the currency converter

How to Block Partial Content on Pages in GAT Shield #

GAT Shield New Block Rule creation window for partial content blocking, with dropdown options visible for selecting content types to block: Google Translate widget on Google Search, YouTube comments section, YouTube related videos sidebar, and Google Search embedded games. 'Apply this rule only for Chromebook devices' toggle is shown at the bottom.

1. Go to Site Access Control and Create a New Block Rule #

To create a rule that blocks partial content on a specific page, navigate to GAT Shield > Site Access Control > Block Partial Content on Pages and click on + New Block Rule to start the creation process.

GAT Shield Site Access Control dashboard with the 'Block Partial Content on Pages' section selected. The interface highlights the '+ New Block Rule' button for creating a new rule and shows a note indicating this feature is only available for MV3 extensions.

Once clicked on the + New Block Rule button a new window will appear so you can begin with creating a rule that suits your needs.

2. Fill in the Rule Details #

  • Rule Name – enter the chosen rule name.
    • Example: “Block YouTube Comments”
  • Select the block type
    Choose one of the supported templates:

    • Block Google Translate widgets on Google Search

    • Block the Comments section on YouTube

    • Remove the Related Videos sidebar on YouTube

    • Block Games embedded in Google Search

3. Choose the Scope #

  • Scope type – identify the scope type and the scope itself. You have the following options available:
    • User – select one or more users to whom this rule will be applied
    • Group – select one or more groups of users to whom this rule will be applied
    • OU – select one or more parent organization units to whom this rule will be applied
      • Include sub. org. units – enable this option to include all child organization units as well in the scope
    • All users – select to scope entire domain users

4. Optional: Limit to Chromebook Devices #

  • You can configure the rule to apply only to Chromebook devices
    • Apply this rule only for Chromebook devices – enable this option to apply the rule only for Chromebook devices users

5. Click Create #

Once saved, the rule becomes active and starts enforcing content blocks for users in the defined scope.

“GAT Shield interface for creating a new Block Partial Content rule. The 'Remove related videos sidebar on YouTube' type is selected, with scope set to 'All users.' The 'Apply this rule only for Chromebook devices' toggle is shown, and the 'Create' button is highlighted.”

When the rule is created it will be active and affect users in the selected scope.

You can review the rule itself that once created will appear in the table under GAT Shield > Site Access Control > Block Partial Content on Pages section and can be searchable by its status, name, template name or scope selected.

GAT Shield Block Partial Content On Pages view showing a successfully created rule named 'Remove related videos sidebar on YouTube' applied to all users. The rule is active, with scope and template name fields populated and visible in the rule table.

Results for each particular partially blocked page selected from the available template are shown below.

What Happens After You Apply a Partial Block Rule? #

Each rule removes specific content sections based on the template you chose. Here’s what users will see:

Google Translate Widgets on Google Search #

Before: The Translate widget appears directly on the results page.

Google Search results page displaying the built-in Google Translate widget at the top, allowing users to input and translate text between languages directly within the search results interface.

After: Google Translate widget is disabled once the rule is applied.

The Google Translate widget blocked in Search Results

Block Comments Section on YouTube #

Before: Users can read and post comments.

Block Comments Section on YouTube

After: The comment section is completely hidden.

YouTube video page with the comment section is completely hidden.

Remove Related Videos Sidebar on YouTube #

Before: YouTube shows suggested videos on the right side.

YouTube shows suggested videos on the right side.

After: The sidebar is removed, eliminating recommendations.

Youtube Page with The sidebar removed, eliminating recommendations.

Block Games Embedded in Google Search #

Before: Users can play built-in games like Snake and Pac-Man.

GAT Shield Before: Users can play built-in games like Snake and Pac-Man.

After: Game widgets are blocked from loading.
Note: This does not affect other widgets like the currency converter.

GAT Shield After: Game widgets are blocked from loading.

Use Cases for Blocking Partial Content on Pages in GAT Shield #

  • Education environments: Reduce distractions by hiding YouTube comments and games during class hours.

  • Enterprise setups: Remove unnecessary widgets to stay compliant with browsing policies.

  • Focus enforcement: Keep users on task by eliminating suggested content and widgets.

Related posts #

FAQ #

Q: Can I block multiple content sections at once?
A: Not in a single rule, but you can create multiple rules targeting different templates.

Q: Will this affect YouTube functionality?
A: No. Only the specified sections (e.g. comments or sidebar) are blocked. Users can still watch videos.

Q: Can I apply these rules by time or device type?
A: Yes. You can filter by Chromebooks and control scope using OUs or groups.

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