Google is releasing a tool for minors to erase images on search

Google has launched a new tool that makes it doable to delete photos of minors from the search results. With this tool, the parents can also protect their children’s privacy if they can delete photos of them.

Google says the tool they are rolling out will let kids under 18 and parents submit requests for photos to be removed from the images tab. As such, photos will no longer show up as thumbnails in search inquiries.

As mentioned in a recent Google blog post, they aim to help minors gain more control over their digital tracks.

Google’s public liaison for search Danny Sullivan said, “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.”

A 3D printed Google logo is seen in this illustration taken April 12, 2020. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

While removing images is feasible, there’s a Google policy that users should adhere to. The policy says users must submit the URLs of images displaying the “identifiable individual” under 18 years old.

In addition, Google also recommends adding search query terms that can pull up the photos. However, the person on the images should be the one to submit the removal request. Though the minor’s parents or legal guardian also have the authorization to do so.

While the tool is designed to protect the minor’s privacy, it can also facilitate the removal of deceased minors who died before the age of 18.

How to set it up?

• Submit a form with the image URLs, search query information, and search results.
• Wait for an email confirmation that Google received your request.
• Google will review your request and will notify you if they approve.

However, Google’s tool only focuses on search results. The company says that users need to contact the webmasters of the sites containing the images. By doing so, the images won’t appear in other sites too.