Remove explicit or intimate personal images from Google

We recognize it can be distressing when sexual content showing you is discoverable in Google search results. We may remove intimate or explicit images and videos that were created or shared without consent. This article is intended to support you through the process to request removal of such content from Google search results.

Requirements

For us to consider the content for removal, it must meet the following requirements:

  1. The imagery shows you (or the individual you're representing) nude, in a sexual act, or an intimate state.
  2. You (or the individual you're representing) didn't consent to the imagery or the act and it was made publicly available OR the imagery was made available online without your consent.
  3. You are not currently being paid for this content online or elsewhere.

Request to remove your explicit or intimate personal imagery from Google Search

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.

Important: We only review the URLs that you or your authorized representative submit in the form.

If your request does not meet the requirements above — for example, you are currently being paid for this content online or elsewhere — there may be another option for removal of this content under DMCA (copyright removals). To request removal under DMCA, use this form.

What happens after you submit the removal request

  1. You get an automated email confirmation. This confirms we received the request.
  2. We review your request. Each request is evaluated based on the requirements above.
  3. 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.
  4. You get a notification of any action taken. 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 the vast majority of cases, these types of images and the content that accompanies them have no public interest value.
  • In very rare cases, we may not remove reported content based on a strong public interest.
  • In other cases, there may be information provided alongside an image that is in the public interest to remain available in our results, but instances of the image itself without context may be removed.

Frequently asked questions

The intake form has multiple options for removals. Which option do I choose?

In the section for why you are requesting personal content removal from Google Search, select Content contains nudity or sexual material. Then select your country of residence and click Next. In the section for describing the content, select Content shows me nude, in a sexual act, or in an intimate state. (This may include, but is not limited to “revenge porn.”)

Which URLs do I submit for review?

Submit all the image and web URLs with your personal info that you want us to review for removal from Google Search results

How do I find the URL of the content I want to report?

To find the URL of the content, search for the page or image you want to report.

Learn how to:

How do I submit more than one URL for review?

Add one URL per line. You can submit up to 1,000 URLs.

What happens after Google removes your image?
  • When an image is removed under this policy, the reported URL will no longer appear in Google Search results. When we remove content from Google Search, it may still exist on the web. This means someone might still find the content on the page that hosts it, through social media, on other search engines, or other ways.
  • Google takes measures to detect and remove duplicates of that imagery from Google Search results. You may opt out of this protection when submitting the removal request form. Opting out may be useful if the image has been published consensually in one context (like a personal blog) that you wish to keep in search results, but has been distributed elsewhere without your permission.
  • As an additional protection, Google will filter explicit results on similar searches in the future. You may opt out of this protection when submitting the removal request form.
Why do you ask for screenshots in the form?

Screenshots of content that’s related to you helps us identify offensive content for removal. An image can have content that’s relevant to multiple individuals.

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 with your mobile device. You may want to take the screenshot on the same device that you use to submit the form. To obscure any sexually explicit portions, edit screenshots you submit.

Learn how to take a screenshot on your:

Important: Child sexual abuse imagery is illegal and should NOT be shared in this form. Do not take or include screenshots containing child sexual abuse imagery or any content that presents someone under 18 in a sexual way. Learn how to report child sexual abuse imagery.

How do I request removal of content that’s no longer live?

If the content no longer appears on a webpage, but appears in Google Search results or as a cached page, you can request a refresh of outdated content.

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