Google’s SafetyCore Scans Android Photos on 9+ Devices as Silent Rollout Fuels Privacy Backlash
Updated
Updated · ZDNet · Jun 9
Google’s SafetyCore Scans Android Photos on 9+ Devices as Silent Rollout Fuels Privacy Backlash
1 articles · Updated · ZDNet · Jun 9
Summary
SafetyCore, a Google system service pushed to Android 9 and later since 2024, powers Sensitive Content Warnings that can detect possible nudity in Google Messages and blur images before viewing or sharing.
Google says the feature runs only when an app requests it through an optional setting and that all classification happens on-device, with images, results and warnings not sent to Google.
Privacy concerns stem from how SafetyCore arrived: users said it appeared without notice, has no home-screen icon, and is hard to find in settings, prompting accusations of spyware despite researchers saying it does not report data out.
Users can uninstall SafetyCore from settings without breaking basic phone functions, though Google recommends keeping it because safety features may depend on it and the service could return in future system or Play updates.
Google’s approach drew sharper criticism because Apple offers a similar iPhone feature but disclosed it more clearly and made controls easier to find; on Android, adults and teens 13 to 17 can manage the warning setting, while supervised children need a parent.