Latest news with #SensitiveContentWarnings
Engadget
2 days ago
- Engadget
Google Messages can now blur nude images on Android
Google is rolling out a new safety feature for the Messages app on Android. As spotted by 9to5Google , the company is making Sensitive Content Warnings more broadly available after beta testing the option since April . Google announced it last October. The feature can detect and blur images that include nudity. However, it'll only work if you're signed into a Google Account in the Messages app. When Messages detects and blurs such an image, you will be able to choose between several actions. You can access a resource page called "Learn why nude images can be harmful," block the sender's number, return to the main Messages screen or opt to dismiss or view the image (tap Next and then either "No, don't view" or "Yes, view"). A warning will appear when you go to send or forward a nude image too. Your device will remind you of the risk of doing so and you will have to acknowledge confirmation before you send the image. Sensitive Content Warnings is enabled by default for supervised users and parents and guardians can manage it via the Family Link app. Unsupervised teens aged between 13 and 17 can switch off the feature from their Google Account settings. Adults will have to opt in if they want to use the feature. They can do so by going to Google Messages Settings > Protection & Safety > Manage sensitive content warnings > Warnings in Google Messages. Google has designed this feature with privacy in mind. Your device will process and classify the images locally with the help of Android System SafetyCore tools. No identifiable data, classified content or results associated with this safety feature (including any detected nude images) are sent to Google servers, the company says. Google also notes that the feature isn't perfect — it may occasionally incorrectly determine that an image contains nudity when it doesn't, or allow ones that do feature nudity to pass through undetected.
The Verge
2 days ago
- The Verge
Google Messages is now blurring nude images
Sensitive Content Warnings that detect and blur images containing nudity are now rolling out to all Google Messages users on Android, according to 9to5Google. The feature gives users the option to delete blurred images without having to view them and block whoever sent the message. Users who attempt to send or forward nude images will also be shown a message that warns them of the risks, and requires them to swipe right to continue sending the image. The Sensitive Content Warnings for Google Messages was announced in October, but this is the first time it's been available to users outside of limited beta testing. The privacy feature requires users to be signed in to a Google Account to work, and is enabled by default on teen accounts. The feature is optional for Adult users and is switched off by default. You can enable it by tapping the profile photo in the top-right corner, selecting Messages settings, and then tapping on the Protection and safety option. From there, select Manage sensitive content warnings and tap on Warnings in Google Messages to toggle the feature on. Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All by Jess Weatherbed Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Android Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Google Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All News Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Privacy Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Tech
The Irish Sun
23-04-2025
- The Irish Sun
Google to blur photos if it spots nudity – and it's being switched on for millions of phone owners by default
GOOGLE is rolling out a new messaging tool to detect unwanted nude photos and block them from view. The tech giant first revealed the enhanced safety feature last year but it's finally started to appear on phones this month. 1 New feature is rolling out to phones using Android 9 and later Credit: Getty It will work within the Google Messages app on selected Android smartphones. When active, the so-called "Sensitive Content Warnings" will detect and blur images suspected of showing A "speed bump" notification will appear, giving you the option to reveal the image. There will also be links to information on help-finding resources. Read more about Android Meanwhile, those sending or forwarding suspected nudes will be reminded about the risks - as well as a warning about accidental shares. The feature is on by default for accounts belonging to those under 18. But for everyone else you'll need to switch it on manually. The technology cleverly does all the detection work on-device, so none of your sensitive data is sent off to some Google server. Most read in Phones & Gadgets "Sensitive Content Warnings doesn't allow Google access to the contents of your images, nor does Google know that nudity may have been detected," the firm explains. But Google warns that the tool "isn't perfect". Google reveals surprise Android upgrade including AI that answers phone for you "It may occasionally detect images that don't contain nudity or not detect images that contain nudity," a help page reads. The system is rolling out to Android smartphones running on version 9 or later. How to turn on Sensitive Content warnings To turn on Sensitive Content Warnings, you'll need to be signed into your Google Account from Google Messages. Open the Google Messages app Tap your profile picture in the top right or look for Initial > Message settings Go to Protection & safety Tap Manage sensitive content warnings Turn on Warnings in Google Messages
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Yahoo
Android feature prevents sensitive content in Google Messages
Have you ever stumbled upon a mysterious app in your Android system settings called "SafetyCore"? If so, you're not alone. Introduced in late 2024, this system service aims to enhance on-device privacy by detecting sensitive content like nudity and enabling features such as Sensitive Content Warnings in Google Messages. While Google assures users that SafetyCore operates locally without sharing data externally, it has still sparked confusion over automatic updates. Let's dive into what SafetyCore does, how it works and the steps you can take to disable it if you choose to do so. Stay protected & informed! Get security alerts & expert tech tips – sign up for Kurt's 'The CyberGuy Report' now. By definition, SafetyCore is a system service that provides on-device machine-learning infrastructure to help detect sensitive content. It was introduced as part of Google's Nov. 7, 2024, system update for Android 9 and later. Google initially described SafetyCore as a tool that supports privacy-preserving user protections for apps. One of its first visible uses was in Google Messages, where it enables Sensitive Content Warnings, a feature that blurs images potentially containing nudity and prompts users with additional options before they can view or send them. By default, Google System services automatically update your device with security, bug fixes and new features. Some updates are delivered via system services in separate Android packages. This maintains privacy, security and data isolation following the principle of least privilege because permissions are not shared with other functionality. Read On The Fox News App SafetyCore does more than detect nude images. Its built-in machine-learning functionality can also target, detect and filter images for sensitive content. There is no app icon, and it doesn't appear in the usual list of running applications. Users must navigate through Settings > Apps > Show system processes to find it. Best Antivirus For Androids - Cyberguy Picks 2025 Google maintains that SafetyCore is purely an on-device classification service and does not report or share scanned content with Google or other entities. The company argues that the service enhances security without compromising privacy, allowing apps to detect and filter unwanted content locally. We reached out to Google, and a spokesperson told Cyberguy, "Android provides many on-device protections that safeguard users against threats like malware, messaging spam and abuse protections, and phone scam protections, while preserving user privacy and keeping users in control of their data. "SafetyCore is a new Google system service for Android 9+ devices that provides the on-device infrastructure for securely and privately performing classification to help users detect unwanted content. Users are in control over SafetyCore, and SafetyCore only classifies specific content when an app requests it through an optionally enabled feature." Google also says that as part of its continuous investment in the transparency of its products, the company is going above and beyond, adding binary transparency to SafetyCore. This allows users and developers to verify that SafetyCore is truly privacy-preserving, just like Google says it is. Looking For More Ways To Lock Down Your Android? Here's How To Do It Settings may vary depending on your Android phone's manufacturer. (Note: We tested these steps on a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.) If you wish to uninstall or disable SafetyCore on your Samsung Galaxy, follow the steps below: (Note: If you decide to disable or get rid of System SafetyCore, you may not be able to benefit from the new security and privacy features or enhancements that Google offers now or in the future.) Open the Settings app on your device Tap Apps Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find Android System SafetyCore Tap on Android System SafetyCore and check if the Uninstall option is available. If Uninstall is available, tap it to remove the service. If Uninstall is grayed out, you may only be able to Disable it If you wish to uninstall or disable SafetyCore on your Pixel device, follow the steps below: Settings may vary depending on your Android phone's manufacturer. (Note: We tested these steps on a Pixel 9 Pro.) Open the Settings app on your device Tap Apps Select See all apps Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find Android System SafetyCore. Tap on Android System SafetyCore Check if the Uninstall option is available. If Uninstall is available, tap it to remove the service. If Uninstall is grayed out, you may only be able to disable it How To Cancel Subscriptions On An Android To Save Money If you're concerned about Google's data collection and want to keep your personal information safe, here are four steps you can take. 1) Limit app permissions: Regularly review and restrict app permissions, especially for access to your camera, microphone, storage or location. If an app doesn't need access, revoke it in your device settings. 2) Disable background data and tracking: Prevent unnecessary tracking by turning off background data for apps that don't require constant internet access. You can also disable location tracking and opt out of Google's personalized ads in your account settings. 3) Use a VPN for secure browsing: A VPN (virtual private network) encrypts your internet traffic, preventing your ISP, Google or other entities from tracking your online activity. Privacy-focused VPNs are great options that do not log user data. For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices. 4) Regularly clear personal data: Delete unnecessary stored data such as search history, location history and cached files. You can do this in your Google Account settings and within individual apps to minimize your digital footprint. SafetyCore is an interesting addition to Android, offering on-device content filtering with machine learning. While it aims to enhance privacy and security, some users might have questions about its presence and functionality. Whether you decide to keep it or explore disabling it, staying informed about your device's features is always a good idea. This way, you can make choices that best fit your needs and preferences for managing your Android device. Do you trust Google's claim that SafetyCore operates entirely on-device and does not share your data? Let us know by writing us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover. Follow Kurt on his social channels: Facebook YouTube Instagram Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions: What is the best way to protect your Mac, Windows, iPhone and Android devices from getting hacked? What is the best way to stay private, secure and anonymous while browsing the web? How can I get rid of robocalls with apps and data removal services? How do I remove my private data from the internet? New from Kurt: Try CyberGuy's new games (crosswords, word searches, trivia and more!) CyberGuy's exclusive coupons and deals Copyright 2025 All rights article source: Android feature prevents sensitive content in Google Messages
Fox News
08-04-2025
- Fox News
Android feature prevents sensitive content in Google Messages
Have you ever stumbled upon a mysterious app in your Android system settings called "SafetyCore"? If so, you're not alone. Introduced in late 2024, this system service aims to enhance on-device privacy by detecting sensitive content like nudity and enabling features such as Sensitive Content Warnings in Google Messages. While Google assures users that SafetyCore operates locally without sharing data externally, it has still sparked confusion over automatic updates. Let's dive into what SafetyCore does, how it works and the steps you can take to disable it if you choose to do so. By definition, SafetyCore is a system service that provides on-device machine-learning infrastructure to help detect sensitive content. It was introduced as part of Google's Nov. 7, 2024, system update for Android 9 and later. Google initially described SafetyCore as a tool that supports privacy-preserving user protections for apps. One of its first visible uses was in Google Messages, where it enables Sensitive Content Warnings, a feature that blurs images potentially containing nudity and prompts users with additional options before they can view or send them. By default, Google System services automatically update your device with security, bug fixes and new features. Some updates are delivered via system services in separate Android packages. This maintains privacy, security and data isolation following the principle of least privilege because permissions are not shared with other functionality. SafetyCore does more than detect nude images. Its built-in machine-learning functionality can also target, detect and filter images for sensitive content. There is no app icon, and it doesn't appear in the usual list of running applications. Users must navigate through Settings > Apps > Show system processes to find it. Google maintains that SafetyCore is purely an on-device classification service and does not report or share scanned content with Google or other entities. The company argues that the service enhances security without compromising privacy, allowing apps to detect and filter unwanted content locally. We reached out to Google, and a spokesperson told Cyberguy, "Android provides many on-device protections that safeguard users against threats like malware, messaging spam and abuse protections, and phone scam protections, while preserving user privacy and keeping users in control of their data. "SafetyCore is a new Google system service for Android 9+ devices that provides the on-device infrastructure for securely and privately performing classification to help users detect unwanted content. Users are in control over SafetyCore, and SafetyCore only classifies specific content when an app requests it through an optionally enabled feature." Google also says that as part of its continuous investment in the transparency of its products, the company is going above and beyond, adding binary transparency to SafetyCore. This allows users and developers to verify that SafetyCore is truly privacy-preserving, just like Google says it is. Settings may vary depending on your Android phone's manufacturer. (Note: We tested these steps on a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.) If you wish to uninstall or disable SafetyCore on your Samsung Galaxy, follow the steps below: (Note: If you decide to disable or get rid of System SafetyCore, you may not be able to benefit from the new security and privacy features or enhancements that Google offers now or in the future.) If you wish to uninstall or disable SafetyCore on your Pixel device, follow the steps below: Settings may vary depending on your Android phone's manufacturer. (Note: We tested these steps on a Pixel 9 Pro.) If you're concerned about Google's data collection and want to keep your personal information safe, here are four steps you can take. 1) Limit app permissions: Regularly review and restrict app permissions, especially for access to your camera, microphone, storage or location. If an app doesn't need access, revoke it in your device settings. 2) Disable background data and tracking: Prevent unnecessary tracking by turning off background data for apps that don't require constant internet access. You can also disable location tracking and opt out of Google's personalized ads in your account settings. 3) Use a VPN for secure browsing: A VPN (virtual private network) encrypts your internet traffic, preventing your ISP, Google or other entities from tracking your online activity. Privacy-focused VPNs are great options that do not log user data. For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices. 4) Regularly clear personal data: Delete unnecessary stored data such as search history, location history and cached files. You can do this in your Google Account settings and within individual apps to minimize your digital footprint. SafetyCore is an interesting addition to Android, offering on-device content filtering with machine learning. While it aims to enhance privacy and security, some users might have questions about its presence and functionality. Whether you decide to keep it or explore disabling it, staying informed about your device's features is always a good idea. This way, you can make choices that best fit your needs and preferences for managing your Android device. Do you trust Google's claim that SafetyCore operates entirely on-device and does not share your data? Let us know by writing us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Follow Kurt on his social channels: Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
