Google recently shed light on its handling of websites featuring a substantial amount of non-consensual explicit imagery. This info is in the Google ranking systems guide as well as the updated spam policies.
When a site engages in exploitative practices and removes personal information, Google demotes other content from that site.
The platform also investigates if similar patterns exist on other sites, extending demotions to content across those platforms.
The same may apply to sites with lots of doxing content and non-consensual explicit imagery removals.
What Google Has Said
“Personal information removals: If we process a high volume of personal information removals involving a site with exploitative removal practices, we demote other content from the site in our results. We also look to see if the same pattern of behaviour is happening with other sites and, if so, apply demotions to content on those sites. We may apply similar demotion practices for sites that receive a high volume of doxxing content removals or non-consensual explicit imagery removals.”
The process involves a careful examination of the online behaviour. It ensures that sites engaging in exploitative practices face consequences.
With a focus on user safety, Google actively works to reduce the visibility of content associated with misuse of personal information.
Moreover, Google employs automatic protections to prevent non-consensual explicit personal images from ranking prominently in response to queries involving names. This preemptive measure underscores the importance the platform places on safeguarding individuals from potential harm.
As Google updates its policies, it is demonstrating transparency about the measures in place to tackle inappropriate content. As a result of clearly stating its stance and actions, Google maintains a safer and more respectful online environment. Google's policies will continue to be closely observed by the industry as it refines them.
