As the Indian government rolls out stricter IT rules around AI-generated content and deepfakes, including mandatory labelling and faster takedown timelines, Google has announced new tools that make it easier for users to remove explicit images and sensitive personal information from Search. The update comes as regulators worldwide intensify scrutiny of how tech giants handle digital abuse and “manipulated content”. According to Google, the updated Search system aims to help victims of such harmful content to report and give users more direct control over what appears about them online.
In an official blog post, the company outlined a new removal process that allows individuals to report explicit images directly from Search results. Here is how it works:
– To restrict explicit data, click the three dots next to a Search result.
– From the menu that appears, select the “Remove result” option.
– Google will then prompt the user to specify the reason for the removal. If the image is explicit or intimate in nature, users can choose the option stating that it shows a sexual image of them.
One of the key updates to Search is that users can now report multiple images in a single request. Earlier, individuals had to file separate complaints for each link or image. With the new update, Google now allows users to select several explicit results at once and submit them together, making the process faster and less repetitive.
– Once users submit a request, they can track its progress through the “Results about you” hub.
This dedicated dashboard will show the status of pending and reviewed requests and send notifications when there are updates.
The company has also introduced additional safeguards. After Google approves a removal request, users can enable a feature that filters out similar explicit results from appearing in future searches related to their name. This update is particularly aimed at cases involving AI-generated deepfakes, where manipulated content can resurface in different forms.
In addition to restricting explicit images, Google is also expanding its removal options to cover more types of sensitive personal data. Users can now request the removal of information such as government ID numbers, personal addresses and phone numbers from Search results. The system can also notify users if new instances of such information appear online, allowing them to take swift action.
However, Google has clarified that these removals apply only to its Search results. The original content will still exist on the website where it was published unless the hosting platform separately removes it.
Rollout timeline
Google is rolling out the new safer Search tools gradually in multiple countries, including India.
