You Can Now Make Google Messages Blur NSFW Images

If you receive nude photos via Google Messages, your Android device will soon detect and blur them with a sensitive content warning before you can view them. The feature, which is being rolled out to all users, also allows you to block numbers that send NSFW images and alerts you before you can send or forward them.

When sensitive content warnings are turned on, users will be directed to a resource page (tap Learn why nude images can be harmful) and see an option to block the sender's number. You can choose to open the image you receive (tap Next > Yes, view or No, don't view) and unblur and re-blur by tapping the Preview icon.

How to enable Google's sensitive content warnings

Sensitive content warnings are opt-in for adults, so you'll need to enable the feature in your Google Messages settings under Protection & Safety > Manage sensitive content warnings. Flip the toggle next to Warnings in Google Messages.

For Android users under 18, sensitive content warnings are on by default. Those with supervised accounts cannot control or turn the feature off by themselves, though parents can do so in the Family Link app. Unsupervised teens ages 13–17 can disable the feature in their Google Account settings.

According to 9to5Google, this feature is currently available only on some Android devices running the Messages beta, so it may not appear in your settings yet. Sensitive content warnings do not currently work on videos.

All detection happens on-device powered by Android's SafetyCore, meaning no identifiable data or classified content is sent to Google servers.

View the full article