Google has clarified how it handles sites with a high volume of non-consensual explicit imagery and requests for removal by updating its spam policies for web search and the guide to ranking systems.
The policy has changed to specifically name websites that charge for removing unfavorable content. Still, the guidance also says that they will degrade content on other websites that follow the same pattern of behavior.
Unveiling Google’s Stance on Non-Consensual Explicit Imagery
Google’s policies aim to demote sites that share intimate images without the consent of individuals depicted in those images.
Since 2015, Google has actively removed instances of “revenge porn” from its search index. These actions align with Google’s ongoing evolution of spam and ranking policies.
Updates in Google’s Spam Policies
Google’s recent adjustments to spam and demotion guidelines involve specific alterations:
Previously, the statement highlighted actions taken regarding sites engaging in exploitative removal practices and doxxing content removals, resulting in content demotion within search results. Additionally, automatic protections were mentioned to prevent non-consensual explicit personal images from prominently ranking in response to name-related queries.
The updated version now includes a broader mention of “non-consensual explicit imagery removals” alongside doxxing content removals. The revised passage reiterates the demotion practices applied to sites with exploitative practices and doxxing content, including non-consensual explicit imagery removals.
Regarding the removal of the reference to automatic systems, it’s likely due to redundancy rather than the absence of the system. The information might have been removed as it echoed the already outlined demotion practices, potentially seen as redundant within the passage’s context.
Google’s Revised Guidance on Search Ranking Systems
In the updated Guide to Search Ranking Systems by Google, a notable modification involves the complete removal of the sentence mentioning “automatic protections,” potentially due to redundancy. However, a new addition in the last sentence sheds light on triggers for removal demotions in Google’s search results.
The updated passage, without the segment on “automatic systems,” now emphasizes:
“Personal information removals: If we handle a substantial volume of personal information removals related to a site with exploitative removal practices, we demote other content from that site in our results. We also assess whether similar behavior patterns exist across other sites and, if detected, apply content demotions to those sites. Furthermore, we may implement analogous demotion measures for sites experiencing a significant influx of doxxing content removals or non-consensual explicit imagery removals.”
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