Requesting the Removal of Deepfake Porn from Google Search: What You Need to Know

The rise of deepfake content on the internet, particularly nonconsensual deepfake pornography, has become a pressing issue in recent years. According to a report from Home Security Heroes, a staggering 98% of deepfake videos online are pornographic. This surge can be attributed to the availability of user-friendly generative AI tools, leading to a dramatic 550% increase in deepfake videos from 2019 to 2023, many of which are created and shared without the consent of the individuals depicted.

In response to the growing concerns surrounding nonconsensual deepfakes, especially in the realm of pornography, Google has introduced new measures aimed at facilitating the removal of such content from its Search engine. This initiative comes at a time when existing laws struggle to keep pace with the rapid emergence of deepfake technology, providing a more efficient process for victims seeking to protect their privacy and dignity.

To request the removal of nonconsensual deepfake content, individuals can utilize a specific web form provided by Google. It is important to note that there is a separate form designated for child sexual abuse imagery. For a request to qualify for removal, the content must meet certain criteria: it should either be nude, intimate, or sexually explicit and distributed without permission, falsely depict an individual as nude or in a sexual scenario, or incorrectly associate a person’s name with sex work.

When completing the request form, individuals need to indicate the nature of the content, specifically choosing the option related to content that falsely portrays them in a sexual act or intimate state. The form requires essential information, such as the individual’s name, country of residence, and contact email. Additionally, it asks whether the depicted content features the individual requesting removal or someone else. If someone is making the request on behalf of another person, they must clarify their authority to do so.

The form also requires the submission of URLs for the deepfake content to be removed, as well as URLs where the content appears in Google Search results. Individuals can provide relevant search terms that lead to the deepfake content, alongside one or more screenshots of the reported content and any additional information that might clarify the situation.

After submitting the request, individuals will receive an automated email confirmation. Google's team will review the request and may reach out for further information if necessary. Following the review process, individuals will be notified about the outcome of their request. If a request is denied, it can be resubmitted with new supporting materials. Importantly, if a request for removal is successful, Google's systems will work to filter out explicit results related to the individual in future searches. Additionally, when an image is removed from Search, Google will actively scan for and remove duplicates of that image across its platforms.

Google has emphasized that these protections have proven effective in dealing with other forms of nonconsensual imagery and are now being applied to fake explicit images. These initiatives aim to offer individuals greater peace of mind, especially those who are concerned about the potential emergence of similar content about them in the future. As deepfake technology continues to advance, the need for robust mechanisms to combat nonconsensual content remains critical. Google’s efforts to streamline the removal process represent a significant step in protecting the rights and privacy of individuals affected by deepfake pornography, addressing the urgent need for action in this rapidly evolving landscape.