Google has updated its spam policies and ranking systems to clarify how it handles explicit, non-consensual imagery and removal requests.
The policy initially stated:
“If we process a high volume of personal information removals involving a site with exploitative removal practices, we demote other content from the site in our results.
We also look to see if the same pattern of behavior is happening with other sites and, if so, apply demotions to content on those sites.
We may apply similar demotion practices for sites that receive a high volume of doxxing content removals.
Furthermore, we have automatic protections designed to prevent non-consensual explicit personal images from ranking highly in response to queries involving names.”
Now, it states:
“If we process a high volume of personal information removals involving a site with exploitative removal practices, we demote other content from the site in our results.
We also look to see if the same pattern of behavior is happening with other sites and, if so, apply demotions to content on those sites.
We may apply similar demotion practices for sites that receive a high volume of doxxing content removals or non-consensual explicit imagery removals.”
Google removed the reference to automatic systems removing explicit content.
Google made a similar edit to its ranking systems guidance, clarifying that a reason for removal includes a high level of non-consensual explicit imagery removal” requests. Here’s what the section says now:
“Personal information removals: If we process a high volume of personal information removals involving a site with exploitative removal practices, we demote other content from the site in our results. We also look to see if the same pattern of behavior is happening with other sites and, if so, apply demotions to content on those sites. We may apply similar demotion practices for sites that receive a high volume of doxxing content removals or non-consensual explicit imagery removals.”
Why was this removed?
No reason was given; however, Search Engine Journal’s Roger Montti believes the statement was redundant and was revised to ensure clarity on this serious matter.
No matter the reason, it seems that Google is cracking down on sites with explicit and non-consensual imagery to make the SERPs reliable and safe.
