Bulletins

Google lets minors and their parents ask to delete images in search

Google plans to introduce a series of protections on YouTube, as well.

Google

The planned changes come at a time of increased scrutiny of tech platforms and how minors may come to harm on their sites.

Image: Protocol

People under 18 and their parents are now able to request the removal of pictures from Google search results. The change is one of many new under-18 protections Google announced in August, according to TechCrunch.

Users can fill out this form to ask that Google delete images from its search results. People requesting removal need to include the image URL, confirm the image is of someone currently under the age of 18, and that whoever is submitting the request is either the person depicted, the legal guardian of that person or an authorized representative. Once submitted, Google will review the request and ask for additional information if necessary. Once a decision is made, Google will offer a brief explanation if it chooses not to remove the photo.

Google plans to introduce a series of protections on YouTube, as well, including making the default video option private, turning off autoplay and setting up bedtime reminders for 13- to 17-year-olds. YouTube Kids will no longer have "overly commercial content."

The planned changes come at a time of increased scrutiny of tech platforms and how minors may come to harm on their sites. Executives from Snap, TikTok and YouTube testified before the Senate on Tuesday and committed to sharing research on their impact on kids. In the wake of the Facebook Papers and renewed emphasis on Instagram's sometimes detrimental effects on teens, lawmakers want to know what tech companies are doing to protect children online.

Lizzy Lawrence

Lizzy Lawrence ( @LizzyLaw_) is a reporter at Protocol, covering tools and productivity in the workplace. She's a recent graduate of the University of Michigan, where she studied sociology and international studies. She served as editor in chief of The Michigan Daily, her school's independent newspaper. She's based in D.C., and can be reached at llawrence@protocol.com.

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