Google Search is taking steps to combat the spread of sexual deepfakes created without consent on its search service. These measures aim to make it easier to identify and remove such images, with Google adjusting the ranking of sites to prioritize legitimate content over harmful deepfakes.
Previously, users had the ability to remove sexual deepfakes that were shared without consent. Now, Google is expanding its efforts to locate and remove copies of these deepfakes. The platform will also implement filters to reduce the visibility of sexual content in similar searches.
In addition to removal efforts, Google plans to tweak the ranking of search results to minimize the prominence of sexual deepfakes. Searches for specific individuals will first yield non-sexual content, such as news articles, to educate users about the impact of deepfakes rather than exposing them to the harmful content itself.
Recognizing the challenge of differentiating between consensual sexual content and deepfakes, Google is continuously refining its algorithms to better identify and address illicit deepfakes. The company aims to reduce the prevalence of such content in search results by targeting sites known for hosting deepfakes.
These efforts extend beyond sexual deepfakes, with Google planning to apply similar measures to combat other harmful content. By leveraging a multi-pronged approach, Google hopes to effectively mitigate the spread of deepfakes on its platform.