Google Strengthens Measures Against Non-Consensual Intimate Imagery
In a significant move to combat the proliferation of non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII) on its platform, Google has announced enhanced actions in collaboration with StopNCII.org. This initiative is designed to assist victims who have been subjected to NCII abuse.
Proactive Content Removal Initiative
Google’s strategy includes the proactive identification and removal of inappropriate content that contravenes its NCII policy. By utilizing StopNCII’s advanced hashing technology—essentially digital fingerprints for images and videos—Google aims to tackle the issue more effectively in the forthcoming months.
Understanding the Hashing Technology
As detailed on StopNCII’s website, these hashes are generated by individuals who have experienced the unauthorized sharing of their intimate images. The scope of NCII extends to offline shared images, altered photographs, and even AI-generated explicit content that lacks consent.
These hashes enable partner platforms to detect and eliminate matching images from their services whenever NCII policies are breached.
Building on Existing Efforts
This recent initiative reinforces Google’s ongoing commitment to support those affected by NCII. The company has intermittently updated its algorithms to limit the visibility of NCII content and offers tools for users to request removals from Google Search.
Impact of Generative AI on NCII
The distress caused by NCII abuse is further exacerbated by the rise of generative AI, which has led to the creation of synthetic images and videos depicting individuals in explicit scenarios without their consent. Google acknowledges the concerns raised by survivors and advocates regarding the extensive nature of the internet, recognizing the need for enhanced protective measures.
“We have also heard from survivors and advocates that given the scale of the open web, there’s more to be done to reduce the burden on those who are affected by it, ” the company stated.
Partnerships with Tech Giants
StopNCII operates under the auspices of the South West Grid for Learning (SWGfL), a charity based in the UK. It is currently collaborating with other major technology companies, including Microsoft, Meta, TikTok, Reddit, and Snapchat, to amplify its reach and effectiveness.
Last year, Microsoft initiated a program leveraging StopNCII’s hashing technology to remove NCII images from its Bing search engine. Meta was also a founding advocate, contributing to the establishment of StopNCII.org back in 2021 alongside other non-government organizations.
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