Sensitive Content Warnings Archives

AppWizard

February 27, 2025

Google’s SafetyCore App Secretly Scans All Photos on Android Devices

Google's SafetyCore app was launched in October 2023 as part of system updates for Android devices, designed to classify content like spam and explicit material through on-device image analysis. It operates locally using machine learning, avoiding cloud uploads, and is promoted as a privacy-enhancing feature. However, it requires 2GB of storage and operates in the background without prior user disclosure, leading to criticism regarding its transparency and potential privacy implications. Users discovered its existence through online discussions, with some labeling it as "spyware." Although Google claims that SafetyCore only activates upon app requests and does not report findings back to the company, the closed-source nature of the app raises concerns about independent audits and user trust. Advocates for privacy emphasize the need for transparency in technology, especially regarding features that access personal data. Users can disable SafetyCore through the Settings menu, but many remain unaware of this option. The situation highlights a broader issue of balancing innovation with user consent in the tech industry.

AppWizard

February 25, 2025

What is the ‘SafetyCore’ app on my Android phone?

A new application named "SafetyCore" has been rolled out on Android devices as part of the November 2024 Google System Updates. It is designed to support safety features for Google Messages, including detecting scam messages and blurring images that may contain nudity. This app processes messages on the device while maintaining end-to-end encryption. Additionally, it is linked to the "Sensitive Content Warnings" feature, which blurs potentially sensitive images and provides resources for users. Alongside "SafetyCore," the "Android System Key Verifier" app introduces a contact verifying feature to prevent scams by allowing users to verify their contacts' public keys using QR codes, though this feature will launch in 2025. Both apps are intended to enhance user safety and security.

AppWizard

November 14, 2024

Google’s new app will help warn you about nude images in Messages

Google has started rolling out the Android System SafetyCore app via Google Play, which will enhance user safety by powering the Sensitive Content Warnings feature in the Google Messages app. This feature aims to provide alerts about the risks associated with sending or receiving nude images, blurring potentially explicit images before they are displayed. The Sensitive Content Warnings feature will be available on devices running Android 9 or later, with adults having the option to activate it, while users under 18 will be automatically opted in. The Android System SafetyCore app serves as a system service providing safety features for Android devices and supports the contact verification feature in Google Messages. It is described as an "Android system component that provides privacy-preserving on-device user protection infrastructure for apps" and may eventually be available on Google TV.