Sun 31 October 2021:
Google has rolled out a new tool making it easier for kids and teens to yank images off of search results.
According to a recent blog post published by Google, the move was made to help minors have greater control over their digital footprint.
“While we already provide a range of options for people seeking to remove content from Search, we know that kids and teens have to navigate some unique challenges online, especially when a picture of them is unexpectedly available on the internet,” said Danny Sullivan, Google’s public liaison for search, in a statement.
Google’s policy says users must submit image URLs featuring an “identifiable individual” under the age of 18. Google advises also adding search query terms that pull up the images. The removal request must be made by the person in the images or a minor’s parent or legal guardian.
The tool also facilitates the removal of images of minors who died before age 18.
The process begins by submitting a form with the image URLs, search results and search query information.
Google says once a request is made, you will get an email confirming they’ve received it. After reviewing the request, Google may reach out for more information, then notify you of its decision.
Because Google’s tool only addresses search results, the company says users should also contact the webmaster of any sites containing the images to purge them from their site, too.
How to remove photos of your kids
In order to qualify for removal, Google said the photo in question:
- Must be an image URL. (They won’t take down web URLs with text and images under this new policy, but it could qualify for other reasons.)
- Must be an “identifiable” picture of the minor in question, who currently has to be under 18. They’ll also consider pictures of children who died before turning 18.
A child, teenager, or a parent/guardian can make the request.
You can submit the request for removal here on Google’s support site. Google said team members will review the request, reach out if they need more information, and notify you if/when the content is taken down.
If the request is approved, “This means these images won’t appear in the Images tab or as thumbnails in any feature in Google Search,” the company said.
If you’re an adult and are seeking to have photos of you removed from Google Images, the company has different criteria. It will consider removing photos if it contains sensitive information (like your social security or credit card information) or if the photo was non-consensual.
More details on Google’s policy for removing images can be found here.
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