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. 

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