What to know

  • Google Messages is rolling out sensitive content warnings that blur images containing nudity before you view them.
  • The feature is opt-in for adults, but enabled by default for teens and supervised users.
  • All detection happens on-device, so no images are sent to Google servers.
  • The rollout is limited and currently available to some beta users on select devices.

Google Messages is now introducing a new feature called Sensitive Content Warnings, designed to help you avoid unwanted exposure to explicit images. When you receive a photo that may contain nudity, the app will automatically blur it.

You then have the choice to view the image, delete it, block the sender, or learn more about why the warning appeared. If you decide to preview the image, you can also re-blur it afterward for added privacy, especially if you plan to hand your phone to someone else.

This feature is not just for receiving images. If you try to send or forward a photo that might be considered sensitive, Google Messages will prompt you with a warning. You must confirm your decision before the image is sent, which helps prevent accidental sharing of explicit content.

For adults, Sensitive Content Warnings are turned off by default, but you can enable them in the app's settings. For users under 18, the feature is enabled automatically. Supervised accounts cannot turn it off, but parents can manage the setting through the Family Link app. Unsupervised teens aged 13 to 17 can disable the feature in their Google Account settings if they choose.

Importantly, all image detection and classification happen directly on your device using Android's SafetyCore system. This means that no images or related data are sent to Google's servers, ensuring your privacy is maintained. The feature currently applies only to images and does not work with videos.

Google first announced Sensitive Content Warnings in October of last year, with the rollout beginning in February. However, the feature is still not widely available and is currently limited to some users running the beta version of Google Messages.

You can manage the feature by going to Google Messages, tapping your profile photo, selecting Messages settings, then Protection and safety, and finally Manage sensitive content warnings.

This update reflects Google's ongoing efforts to provide users with more control over their digital communications and to enhance privacy and safety within its messaging platform.

Via: 9to5google