Google Messages Sensitive Content Warnings For Nudity Rolling Out

Following last year’s announcement, Google Messages is rolling out Sensitive Content Warnings that blur nude images on Android.

For adults, Sensitive Content Warnings are opt-in and disabled by default. It’s on for those under 18:

• Supervised users: This feature can’t be turned off but parents can control it through the Family Link app.
• Unsupervised teens (13–17 years of age): This feature can be turned off in the Google Account settings.

There are two aspects to it, with the first blurring images “that may contain nudity” with the ability to delete before viewing. Your options are:

• Learn why nude images can be harmful
• Block this number
• Next > No, don’t view or Yes, view

You can “blur the image back” by tapping “Remove preview” in the bottom-right corner.

The second reminds “users of the risks of sending nude imagery and preventing accidental shares” before they send or forward something that may contain nudity. They must “confirm to continue.” 

• To send the image, tap Next.
  • To continue, swipe right Yes, send.
  • To cancel, select No, don’t send.

This image classification, which does not currently apply to videos, works on-device and is powered by Android System SafetyCore, which “doesn’t send identifiable data or any of the classified content or results to Google servers.”

As a system service, SafetyCore is only active when an application integrates with SafetyCore and specifically requests that content be classified. Images aren’t classified unless they’re sent through Google Messages with the Sensitive Content Warnings feature turned on.

Google announced it in October, and said it was beginning to roll out in February. We’re now seeing it Google Messages Settings > Protection & Safety > Manage sensitive content warnings. This takes you to a new settings page with a “Warnings in Google Messages” toggle. 

This is not yet widely rolled out, and currently just appearing on two devices running the Messages beta that we checked today.

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