Google Introduces New Features and Updates to Enhance Online Safety

Google, a leading tech company committed to prioritizing user safety, has unveiled a range of innovative features and updates designed to improve online security. With a focus on providing access to reliable information, securing user data, and empowering users with greater control, these advancements demonstrate Google's dedication to ensuring a safer online experience for everyone. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and collaborating with various platforms and organizations, Google aims to combat online abuse and protect users from potential threats.

Enhancing Trustworthy Information and Content

Google recognizes its responsibility to protect users from harm and provide them with accurate and reliable information. To this end, they have introduced several tools to bolster trust and transparency:

"About this Image": This new tool enables users to evaluate the reliability of visual content they find online by providing crucial context such as the image's first appearance and its presence on news, social, or fact-checking sites.

Expanded Content Safety API: Google's Content Safety API, which helps platforms identify and prioritize potential child sexual abuse material (CSAM) images, has been extended to include video content. This significant step forward strengthens the child safety ecosystem, as video files account for a substantial portion of reported CSAM cases.

Strengthening Security Measures

As cyber threats continue to rise, Google remains at the forefront of promoting a safer digital future. They have implemented various measures to protect user information and strengthen overall cybersecurity:

• Passwordless Future: Google has become the first major tech company to enable passkey sign-in, combining the convenience of unlocking devices with advanced security measures. Passkeys use cryptography to create a unique key between the user and a specific app or website, ensuring they cannot be stolen by cybercriminals.

• Enhanced Safe Browsing: Utilizing AI, Safe Browsing identifies and alerts users to dangerous sites and files, proactively preventing scams. The latest Safe Browsing API expedites the identification of compromised sites, resulting in an additional 25% of phishing attempts being blocked every month on Chrome and Android.

• Spam View in Drive: Building on its success in protecting Gmail users from unwanted messages, Google is expanding spam protections in Google Drive. Users will benefit from a new view that separates and reviews files, enabling them to identify potentially unsafe or abusive content easily.

Empowering Users with Control

Google believes in putting users in control of their data and online experiences. They have introduced tools and features that offer increased control and transparency:

• Dark Web Scans for Gmail Addresses: Previously available only to Google One subscribers in the U.S., dark web reports will be accessible to all Gmail account holders in the country. Users can run scans to check if their Gmail addresses appear on the dark web and receive guidance on protective actions. Expanding access to select international markets is also in the pipeline.

• Data Control in Android Apps: Android 14 includes updates that enhance transparency regarding how apps use user data. When granting permission for location sharing, users will be informed if an app shares their information with third parties for advertising purposes. A new "Data deletion" section within the Google Play Data safety area allows users to easily request the deletion of their account or other associated data.

• Easy Search History Deletion in Maps: Google is simplifying the process of deleting Maps search history by introducing a one-tap option directly within the Maps app. Users can effortlessly remove recent searches, ensuring their location data remains private.