Google is making Search a much safer place for all. Earlier today, the tech giant announced upgrades that would allow users to remove their most sensitive personal info from search results. This includes the likes of your driver’s license, passport, and even your Social Security number.
Now, flanking the same upgrade, Google has announced that, in addition to personal information, it is also making it easier to request the removal of non-consensual explicit images from Search.
This builds on other Search upgrades announced over the last few years, including the removal of explicit deepfake content.
For starters, Google is making the reporting and removal process a lot more straightforward. If you see an image on Search that shows a sexual depiction of you without your consent, you can trigger a removal request directly from the image itself. You simply tap the image’s three-dot menu > tap Remove results > It shows a sexual image of me.
You then get the option to select and submit multiple other images to the same removal request.
Stopping the vicious re-upload cycle
In addition to removing existing content, Google is now also rolling out more proactive safeguards. Removing an image is one thing, but keeping it that way is another. Users can now opt in to safeguards “that will proactively filter out any additional explicit results that might appear in similar searches.”
Once you’ve submitted a removal request, you’ll see links to “expert organizations” that can provide emotional and legal support. Additionally, you’ll also be able to track the status of all of your image removal requests in one place. These will live in the “Results about you” hub, which can be found by tapping your profile icon on the top right of the Google app.
Google says the new experience is rolling out “in most countries” over the coming days, with plans to expand it to more regions already in place.
