Your Android device includes a built-in option that helps you avoid inadvertently viewing explicit images — here’s how to activate it.
With more service providers now backing RCS and Apple incorporating the standard on iOS, the popularity of Google Messages has surged appreciably. While this is beneficial for eliminating messaging silos, it also brings the reality that NSFW (Not Safe For Work) material is still proliferating, which isn’t suitable for everyone.
Fortunately, Google has integrated sensitive content alerts within Messages. If you get, send, or forward images that contain nudity (whether purposely or not), your Android device can automatically recognize and obscure them. If you wish to turn on this feature on your gadget, or even on your child’s phone, it’s straightforward to do so and safeguard against embarrassment while ensuring safety.
What are sensitive content alerts in Google Messages and how do they function?
Despite sophisticated privacy and security measures, instances of indecent exposure have only risen. The role of sensitive content alerts in Google Messages adds an additional layer of protection by blurring images, preventing accidental viewing in public, or helping you better shield your child from inappropriate material.
According to Google, sensitive content alerts in Messages utilize the company’s SafetyCore system service to identify if an image requires a safety alert. Crucially, all processing occurs on the device, and data never leaves your smartphone.
So, what happens when your smartphone identifies sensitive content? When a user receives a nude image with the feature active, tapping it initiates what Google calls “speed bumps” to ensure they are aware of what they are about to view.
Initially, it presents a warning about the image along with an option leading to a page that explains why such images can be harmful. Google Messages also offers direct choices such as blocking the number.
As a last step, another pop-up inquires if you still wish to view the image.
The feature is also applicable when sending. If a user with sensitive content alerts enabled attempts to send a nude image, they must swipe and tap “yes,” confirming their certainty about what they are sending.
It’s important to note that the sensitive content alert feature currently only pertains to images and does not apply to other media formats like videos or GIFs.
How to activate sensitive content alerts in Google Messages
Given the significance of this feature, particularly for minors, Google establishes sensitive content alerts on smartphones based on the user’s age. For children under 13, the feature is automatically active and cannot be deactivated.
For teenagers aged 13 to 17, it is also enabled by default but can be turned off in Google Messages settings. For users older than 18, the feature is deactivated by default. Thankfully, you can readily enable it on your device. Here’s how to do it:
1. Launch the Google Messages app on your device.
2. Tap on your profile icon in the top right corner.
3. Choose Messages settings.
4. Scroll down and select Protection and safety.
5. Tap Manage sensitive content alerts and switch it on.
Note: You may need to install SafetyCore services on your Android device before toggling the feature in Step 5. Just click the Install SafetyCore button, and once installed, you can activate these alerts.
Enhanced protection integrated into Google Messages
In recent months, Google has introduced several security and privacy features to Android, like anti-theft tools and identifying AI-generated images in Google Photos, but this is undoubtedly one of the top features Google has rolled out in some time. It not only shields children using a device from indecent exposure but also spares adults from potential embarrassment in public.
While Google emphasizes that the feature operates offline on the device, it does require users to be logged into their Google account, likely due to age-based limitations.
