Google Messages introduces automatic blurring of nude photos

Google Messages is starting to roll out a Sensitive Content Warning feature that blurs out nude and other sensitive photos. The feature is optional for adult users, but it will be enabled by default for users under 18. This is reported by 9to5Google.

For users under 18, the feature cannot be turned off without parental permission. If a Google account for users aged 13 to 17 does not have a supervisor, blurring can be turned off in profile settings.

The new feature has two main elements. The first is the automatic blurring of images that potentially contain nudity, with the option to delete them before viewing. The user will also be offered several options: find out why such photos may be dangerous, block the sender, or view the image anyway.

The second option would be to remind users of the risks of sending nude images and prevent the accidental sharing of such photos before they send or forward them. In this case, users would be required to confirm their decision before sending.

The update, which performs analysis locally on the device and is powered by Android's SafetyCore system, does not currently support video. Google says the feature will not transmit personally identifiable information or any classified content to the company's servers.

The SafetyCore system will only work when the Google Messages app is integrated with SafetyCore and sends a special request to encrypt content.

The update is currently only appearing in beta versions of Google Messages on some devices.