Google Introduces New Features, Allows Deletion Of Images On Search

Google is introducing new features that will keep children safe while online and parents in control of the content their kids are allowed to watch. A range of removal options will be introduced including the ability of anyone under the age of 18, their parent, or guardian to request the removal of their images from Google Image results.

In YouTube, the company is going to change the default upload setting to the most private option available to teens aged 13-17. New digital wellbeing features will also be displayed to safeguard and inform them about commercial content. More information can be found on the YouTube Blog.

Search is being made safer by keeping users under 18 away from mature content. SafeSearch is a filter that is automatically enabled by default for all signed-in users under 13 who have accounts managed by Family Link. Soon, SafeSearch will be turned on for existing users under 18 and will be the default setting for teens who are setting up new accounts.

Image Credit: Google

New default protections will be added to Google’s Voice Assistant on shared devices including SafeSearch. This will prevent teens and minors from being exposed to mature content while on the web. Location History, which is Google’s user tracking tool for various functions, is turned off by default but children will not have the option to turn it on.

A new safety section is being added where parents will be informed of which apps follow the company’s Family policies. App developers will be required to disclose how their apps use the data they collect in greater detail. This way, parents can determine if the apps are suitable for their children before downloading them.

New digital wellbeing tools help limit the use of certain apps. In Family Link, parents can set screen time limits and reminders for their kids’ devices. New Digital Wellbeing tools will be rolled out in the coming months to allow users to block news, podcasts and access to web pages on Assistant-enabled smart devices.

On YouTube, the company is turning on “take a break” and bedtime reminders as well as turning off autoplay for users under 18. And on YouTube kids, an autoplay option will be added and it will be turned off by default to ensure parents have better control over what’s being used.