In a significant move towards enhancing user safety and privacy, Google is introducing a feature in Google Messages that will automatically detect and blur nude photos sent to Android devices. This new capability aims to provide a layer of protection for users by displaying a sensitive content warning before any explicit images can be viewed.
The rollout of this feature, which is being made available to all users, includes options to block numbers that send inappropriate images. Additionally, users will receive alerts when they attempt to send or forward such content, reinforcing a culture of mindfulness around sensitive material.
When users enable sensitive content warnings, they will be guided to a resource page with the option to learn about the potential harms of nude images. This page includes a prompt to block the sender’s number, giving users more control over their messaging experience. Upon receiving an image, users can choose to either view it or not, with options clearly marked as Next > Yes, view or No, don’t view. The feature also allows for images to be unblurred and re-blurred through a simple tap on the Preview icon.
How to enable Google’s sensitive content warnings
For adults wishing to activate sensitive content warnings, this feature is optional and can be enabled within the Google Messages settings. Users should navigate to Protection & Safety > Manage sensitive content warnings and toggle on the option labeled Warnings in Google Messages.
For Android users under the age of 18, sensitive content warnings are automatically activated. Those with supervised accounts do not have the ability to disable this feature independently; however, parents can manage these settings through the Family Link app. Unsupervised teens aged 13 to 17 have the option to disable the feature within their Google Account settings.
As reported by 9to5Google, this feature is currently being tested on select Android devices running the Messages beta, which means it may not yet be accessible to all users. It is worth noting that sensitive content warnings do not extend to videos at this time.
Importantly, all detection processes occur on-device, utilizing Android’s SafetyCore technology. This ensures that no identifiable data or classified content is transmitted to Google servers, thereby prioritizing user privacy and security.
