Google Permits Minors to Remove Unwanted Images on Search

Date

29.10.21
by Fiona Yassin

A new tool announced by Google this week will allow anyone under the age of 18, or their parent or guardian, to request the removal of their images from Search results.

The company announced the change in a bid to “give minors more control over their images in Google Search”.

In the company’s blog, Danny Sullivan said: “While we already provide a range of options for people seeking to remove content from Search, we know that kids and teens have to navigate some unique challenges online, especially when a picture of them is unexpectedly available on the internet.”

As a result of the policy, minors, or someone acting on their behalf, can submit a request for removal to be reviewed.

If the request is successful, these images will no longer appear in the Images tab or as thumbnails in any feature in Google Search.

“We believe this change will help give young people more control over their digital footprint,” Google says.

Fiona Yassin is the founder and clinical director at The Wave Clinic. She is a U.K. and International registered Psychotherapist and Accredited Clinical Supervisor (U.K. and UNCG).

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