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Google Messages Adds On-Device Nude-Image Warnings in Stable Android Release

Controls differ by age, letting parents lock in protections for children with configurable options for teens and adults

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New safety feature in Google Messages rolls out which detects and blurs explicit images

Overview

  • The feature is now rolling out broadly through stable Google Messages and Play Services updates for Android users signed into a Google Account.
  • Android System SafetyCore powers on-device detection to blur images containing nudity without transmitting identifiable content or results to Google servers.
  • Receiving a blurred image prompts users to access educational resources on potential harms, block the sender or choose whether to view the content.
  • Attempting to send or forward a nude image triggers a swipe-to-send confirmation that reminds users of associated risks.
  • Supervised children cannot disable the warnings under Family Link controls, adults must opt in via Protection & Safety settings and unsupervised teens can opt out in their Google Account.