Google Messages introduces Sensitive Content Warnings on Android

Android

Google Messages for Android has begun a broad rollout of its Sensitive Content Warnings feature, a safety tool designed to detect and blur images containing nudity. Initially announced in October and introduced to beta users in April, the update is now arriving for all users through the stable versions of Google Messages and Google Play services.

The system uses Android’s built-in SafetyCore technology to process and classify images directly on the device. This means no identifiable information, content, or classification results are transmitted to Google’s servers. To use the feature, you must be signed in to a Google Account within Google Messages. Once active, the tool automatically scans incoming images and applies a blur to any that contain nudity.

When such an image is received, you will see a blurred preview along with several options. You can tap to learn why nude images may be harmful, choose to block the sender’s number, or decide whether to view the image. If you choose to proceed, you will be given a clear choice between “Yes, view” or “No, don’t view” before the image is displayed.

The system also offers protection on the sending side. If you attempt to send or forward an image flagged as containing nudity, a warning will appear reminding you of the potential risks. You must then confirm your choice to continue. Selecting “Yes, send” will deliver the image, while “No, don’t send” will cancel the action.

Settings for the feature vary depending on the user’s age. For adults aged 18 and above, Sensitive Content Warnings are turned off by default but can be activated through Google Messages Settings under Protection & Safety. For supervised accounts, often used for children, the feature cannot be disabled and is instead managed through the Family Link app. Teenagers aged 13 to 17 who have unsupervised accounts can turn the warnings off via their Google Account settings.

By combining on-device AI detection with clear user controls, Google aims to give Android users greater autonomy and protection against unwanted explicit content. The company positions this as part of a broader effort to create a safer digital messaging environment without compromising privacy.

With its wider rollout now underway, Sensitive Content Warnings should be available to most Android users over the coming weeks. This marks a significant step in Google’s ongoing efforts to protect users from unsolicited explicit images while maintaining transparency and control over what content is seen or shared.