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Google Messages app is getting a new safety tool that looks to protect the young users and also flag people about explicit content.
Google is bringing the new blur feature to protect its young users
Google has begun rolling out a new feature in its Messages app that automatically filters photos flagged for containing nudity. Using on-device AI, the feature identifies sensitive content before a user views, sends, or forwards such media, providing clear warnings. First introduced late last year, this initiative is part of Google’s broader effort to promote safer online communication.
Supported by Android’s SafetyCore, Messages app analyses all content locally on the device, ensuring that no image data or identifying information is sent to Google servers, as reported by 9To5Google. This approach aims to protect user privacy while helping them avoid potentially harmful situations.
When the feature is turned on, photos that are suspected of being nude are automatically blurred. There is a warning message with choices like “Learn why nude images can be harmful,” “Block this number,” and a simple request that reads “No, don’t view” or “Yes, view.” After viewing the image, users can also choose to re-blur it by selecting the “Remove preview” option.
According to the report, users under the age of 18 are automatically subject to these warnings. The feature is entirely controlled through the Family Link app and cannot be disabled for supervised users, who are usually kids with parental controls.
The feature is enabled by default for unsupervised teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17, however, it may be deliberately turned off through Google Messages settings. The feature is optional for adults and stays inactive unless manually activated.
Additionally, the safety system steps in before users try to share or forward potentially offensive images. The sender will be prompted with a confirmation step in Google Messages if such content is identified: “Yes, send” or “No, don’t send.” The purpose is to urge users to reevaluate impulsive decisions by introducing a deliberate delay, or “speed bump,” rather than completely blocking actions.
Currently, the feature only works with image-based content; videos are not included. Additionally, it only works if sensitive content warnings are enabled and the image is sent via Google Messages. For comparable protection, other apps must specifically interact with SafetyCore.
The feature’s availability is still restricted, even though it was formally announced in October last year and started to roll out in phases starting in February this year.
Early testing indicates that the setting, which is found under Messages > Protection & Safety > Manage sensitive content alerts, has only been shown on a small number of beta devices thus far, indicating that a wider rollout is still ongoing.
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