The rise of deepfake videos, particularly deepfake porn, on the internet has become a serious concern. According to a report from Home Security Heroes, deepfake porn accounts for a staggering 98% of all deepfake videos online. This phenomenon has been made possible by the availability of easy-to-use generative AI tools, resulting in a drastic 550% increase in deepfakes from 2019 to 2023.
However, while laws against nonconsensual deepfakes are still catching up, there is some good news. Google has taken steps to combat deepfake porn and make it easier for individuals to have this content removed from their search results.
To address the issue, Google has made changes to its Search ranking algorithm to reduce the visibility of deepfake content in searches. Additionally, the company has implemented an expedited process for handling requests for the removal of nonconsensual deepfake porn results from Search.
So, how can you use this new tool?
To request the removal of a deepfake nonconsensual porn result, whether it’s a webpage, image, or video, you can use a specific web form provided by Google. It’s important to note that there is a separate form for reporting child sexual abuse imagery, and the content in question must meet Google’s criteria for removal.
When using the web form, select the option that states the content contains nudity or sexual material. Then, proceed to the next page where you can indicate that the content falsely portrays you in a sexual act or intimate state, also known as a “deep fake” or “fake pornography.”
On the final page of the form, you will need to provide your name, country of residence, and contact email. You must also specify whether it is you or someone else depicted in the deepfake content. If you are submitting a request on behalf of someone else, you must prove that you are an authorized representative.
In the content information section, you will need to provide the URLs of the deepfake results you want to be removed, along with the URLs of the Google Search results where the content appears. Additionally, include the search terms that lead to the deepfakes. To support your request, upload one or more screenshots of the content and provide any additional information that might help explain the situation.
After submitting your request, you will receive an automated email confirmation. Google will then review your request and may ask for more information if necessary. You will be notified of any actions taken, and if your request does not meet Google’s requirements for removal, you will receive a follow-up message explaining why.
If your request is denied, you have the option to resubmit it with new supporting materials. Google has implemented measures to filter explicit results on all similar searches about a person whose nonconsensual deepfake porn results have been successfully removed. Furthermore, if an image is removed from Search under Google’s policies, the system will scan for and remove any duplicates of that image it finds.
Google’s efforts to combat deepfake porn are aimed at providing people with added peace of mind, particularly those concerned about similar content resurfacing in the future. These protections have already proven effective in addressing other forms of nonconsensual imagery and have now been extended to fake explicit images as well.
In conclusion, while deepfake porn continues to pose a significant threat online, Google’s new tools offer a means of combatting this issue. By following the steps outlined and utilizing the web form provided, individuals can request the removal of nonconsensual deepfake porn from Google Search, thereby reducing its visibility and protecting themselves from potential harm.
