Google reduces users’ risk of disturbing content by adding a new security feature to the Messages application in Android. The system, called “Sensitive Content Warnings ,, automatically blur the images containing nudity. This feature, announced in October, has been tested in a limited group of user since April. Now a much wider audience will be able to access this feature.
This security system requires the user to sign up with the Google account to work. Users who do not log in can not benefit from this feature. With the activation of the feature, inappropriate visuals are instantly blurred and prevented from appearing clearly on the screen. Thus, the user is stimulated in advance about what to encounter.
Google posts reduce the likelihood of users to encounter naked content
Users can take different steps in the face of blurred visuals. If they want, they can access the “Learn why naked images can be harmful”, block the sending number, or return to the home screen. In addition, the right to choose or not to see the image is entirely in the hands of the user.
On the shipping side, a similar protection mechanism comes into play. When a user wants to send or transmit a visual containing nudity, the system gives warning. This warning allows the user to consciously confirm the process. Thus, unwanted content is prevented from spreading without realizing it.
Sensitive content warnings come open by default in parental -supervised accounts. Parents can easily manage these settings through the Family Link application. Unattended young users between the ages of 13-17 can turn off the feature from Google account settings. Adult users have to manually activate this protection.
In order to enable the feature, it is enough to go to the “Protection and Security” section in Google Messages settings and open the “Manage Sensitive Content Warnings” option. When these steps are completed, the system controls the visuals containing nudity in incoming and outgoing messages. All these operations take place using the device’s own processing force.
Google emphasizes that this feature works completely privacy -oriented. Analysis and classification of visuals is made only within the device via Android System Safetycore tools. The company states that no image or identifiable information is sent to its own servers in this process. Thus, user data are protected before reaching third parties.
However, it is also clear that the system is not perfect. From time to time, it is possible to mistake a visual that does not contain nudity or to overlook an inappropriate content. Google reminds us that users should continue to be careful.