A New Safety Initiative from Google

In an effort to enhance user safety and protect younger audiences, Google Messages is launching a significant new feature: Sensitive Content Warnings that blur potentially inappropriate images. This rollout follows an announcement made last year and aims to foster a safer messaging environment on Android devices.

How It Works for Different Age Groups

The Sensitive Content Warnings are designed with various user ages in mind. For adults, this feature is opt-in, meaning it’s disabled by default. However, users under 18 will find it enabled automatically: - **Supervised Users:** For those who are guided by parental approval, this feature cannot be disabled, providing parents control through Google’s Family Link app. - **Unsupervised Teenagers (Ages 13-17):** Teens in this category can disable the feature via their Google Account settings.

Features of Sensitive Content Warnings

The feature operates with two main functionalities. First, it blurs images that are flagged for containing nudity, presenting users with options to either delete the image before viewing or understand potential harms related to such content. Users can choose to: - Learn about the risks of nude images - Block the sending number - Confirm viewing or opt out

Users can also revert the blur by tapping "Remove preview" if they wish to see the image after all.

A Reminder Before Sending

The second component serves as a precautionary alert whenever users attempt to send or forward nude imagery. Before proceeding, users must confirm their intent to send, addressing accidental sharing risks. Options are: - Tap "Next" to continue with sending - Choose "No, don’t send" to cancel.

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This image classification technique is currently limited to photos and does not extend to videos. Thanks to Android System SafetyCore, the classification process operates entirely on-device, ensuring no identifiable data or content is transferred to Google servers during classification—prioritizing user privacy.

The Rollout is Underway!

Originally announced in October and now being gradually deployed since February, the feature can be accessed through Google Messages Settings under Protection & Safety > Manage Sensitive Content Warnings. Users will find a toggle for "Warnings in Google Messages" on this new settings page.

Though the rollout is in progress, it has not yet reached all devices. So far, it's been observed on select devices running the Messages beta, indicating that wider availability is on the horizon.