Google removes images of anyone below the age of 18 from search results at the request of the individual under 18 or their parent or guardian, with the exception of cases of compelling public interest or newsworthiness. This means these images won’t appear in the Images tab or as thumbnails in any feature in Google Search. This article is intended to support you through the process for removal requests of such content from Google search results.
Important: While we can prevent an image from appearing in our search results, we can’t remove it from websites that host it. This is why you might wish to contact the website owner and ask them to remove the content. Learn how to contact a website owner.
This article covers the process for removing non-explicit images of minors from Google search results. If your request is to remove explicit content, follow the relevant process below.
For images of minors:
For images of adults:
Requirements
For us to consider the content for removal, it must meet all of the following requirements:
- The URLs submitted are image URLs.
- Web URLs (pages with both text and images) are not eligible for removal under this policy, which seeks to limit the presence of images in Google search results.
- The imagery includes an identifiable individual who is currently under the age of 18.
- We’ll also remove images in the tragic situation of a child who has died before reaching the age of 18.
- The removal requestor is either the individual themself, a legal guardian for the individual, or an authorized representative of either.
Request to remove imagery of an individual currently under 18 from Google
You or your authorized representative can submit a request to remove links to the content from Google Search results. Any authorized representative must explain how they have the authority to act on your behalf.
What happens after you submit the removal request
- You get an automated email confirmation. This confirms we received the request.
- We review your request. Each request is evaluated based on the requirements above.
- We gather more info, if needed. In some cases, we may ask you for more information. If the request doesn’t have enough information for us to evaluate, like missing URLs, we’ll share specific instructions and ask you to resubmit the request.
- You get a notification of any action taken.
- If submitted image URLs are found to be within the scope of our policy, they will be removed from Google search results.
- If the request doesn't meet the requirements for removal, we’ll also include a brief explanation. If your request is denied and later you have additional materials to support your case, you can re-submit your request.
What we include in our review
We take public interest and newsworthiness into account when determining if content will be removed.
- In some cases, we may not remove reported content.
- In other cases, we may balance affected individual preference with public interest and limit our removal to queries which include identifying terms, such as the name of the individual under 18, name of the parent, and aliases.
Frequently asked questions
The intake form has multiple options for removals. Which option do I choose?
Which URLs do I submit for review?
How do I find the URL of the content I want to report?
In the form, we ask for 2 types of URLs:
- URL of the image
- URL of the Google search results page that contains the link to the web page you're reporting
How do I submit more than one URL for review?
In the URL field of the form, add one URL per line. You can submit up to 1,000 URLs.
Why do you ask for screenshots in the form?
Important: Child sexual abuse imagery is illegal and should not be shared through this form. Do not take or include screenshots containing child sexual abuse imagery or any content that presents someone under 18 in a sexual manner. Learn how to report child sexual abuse imagery.
How do I take a screenshot?
You can take a screenshot on your computer or your mobile device. We suggest that you take the screenshot on the same device that you’ll use to submit the form, so you won’t need to transfer the image between devices.
Learn how to take a screenshot on your:
How do I request removal of content that’s no longer live on a website?
This removal process is for content that is still live on a webpage. If the content no longer appears on the webpage but appears in Google search results or as a cached page, request removal with the Outdated URL removal tool.