As India tightens AI rules, Google makes it easier to remove your personal information and deepfakes from searches
Google is introducing a new search tool that lets users easily request the removal of non-consensual explicit images and other sensitive personal information directly from search results.
As the Indian government is imposing strict IT rules around AI-generated content and deepfakes, including mandatory labeling and faster removal timelines, Google has announced new tools that make it easier for users to remove explicit images and sensitive personal information from search. The update comes as regulators around the world step up scrutiny of how tech giants handle digital abuse and “manipulated content.” According to Google, the updated search system is intended to help victims of such harmful content report and give users more direct control over what they see about them online.
In an official blog post, the company outlined a new removal process that allows individuals to report explicit images directly from search results. Here is how it works:
– To restrict explicit data, click the three dots next to the search result.
– From the menu that appears, select the option “Remove Results”.
– After this Google will ask the user to provide the reason for removal. If the image is explicit or intimate in nature, users can opt out stating that it shows a sexual image of them.
One of the major updates to Search is that users can now report multiple images in a single request. Earlier, individuals had to file separate complaints for each link or image. With the new update, Google now allows users to select multiple clear results and submit them at once, making the process faster and less repetitive.
– Once users submit a request, they can track its progress through the “Results About You” hub.
This dedicated dashboard will show the status of pending and reviewed requests and send notifications when there are updates.
The company has also introduced additional security measures. After Google approves the removal request, users can enable a feature that prevents similar explicit results from being filtered out in future searches related to their name. This update is specifically targeted at cases involving AI-generated deepfakes, where manipulated content can resurface in different forms.
In addition to restricting explicit images, Google is also expanding its removal options to cover more types of sensitive personal data. Users can now request to remove information such as government ID numbers, personal addresses, and phone numbers from search results. The system can also notify users if new instances of such information appear online, allowing them to take quick action.
However, Google has clarified that these removals only apply to its search results. The original content will still exist on the website where it was published unless the hosting platform separately removes it.
rollout timeline
Google is gradually introducing new secure search tools in many countries including India.
