Google to enable users under 18 yrs to seek removal of photos from image search result

Google will be introducing a new policy that will allow those under the age of 18 and their families to request removal of their photos from image search requests, the tech giant announced on Wednesday, adding that this policy will be introduced in the coming weeks. 

“In the coming weeks, we’ll introduce a new policy that enables anyone under the age of 18, or their parent or guardian, to request the removal of their images from Google Image results,” Google said in a blogpost.

“As kids and teens spend more time online, parents, educators, child safety and privacy experts, and policy makers are rightly concerned about how to keep them safe,” Google product and user experience director Mindy Brooks said in a press conference on Wednesday. 

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Brooks, however, said that it doesn’t mean the image will be removed from the web.

“Of course, removing an image from search doesn’t remove it from the web, but we believe this change will help give young people more control of their images online,” said Brooks.

This is among the several online safety measures that Google has undertaken. Google will also ensure that Location History remains off (without the option to turn it on) for accounts of users who are under the age of 18. 

“We’re committed to building products that are secure by default, private by design, and that put people in control. And, while our policies don’t allow kids under 13 to create a standard Google account, we’ve worked hard to design enriching product experiences specifically for them, teens, and families,” Google said in a blogpost.

Meanwhile, on YouTube Kids, it will add an autoplay option and turn it off by default. This will empower the parents to make the right choice for their families. 

“Data plays an important role in making our products functional and helpful. It’s our job to make it easy for kids and teens to understand what data is being collected, why, and how it is used. Based on research, we’re developing engaging, easy-to-understand materials for young people and their parents to help them better understand our data practices,” the blog said.