From CNET: Google on Tuesday unveiled a handful of policy changes aimed at protecting people under 18 from abuse on the search giant's platforms.
The company will allow minors or their parents to request to have their pictures removed from Google's Image Search feature, a notable change because Google has historically taken a hands-off approach when it comes to managing its search engine. Google also said it will block targeted advertising based on the age, gender or interests of people under 18.
YouTube, which is owned by Google, said it will change the default video upload settings for minors, automatically choosing the most private option available. The platform will also turn off autoplay by default for minors and turn on digital well-being tools, like alerts that remind people to take a break when they've been binging videos for a long time.
The changes come as Silicon Valley companies have been in the hot seat over child safety. Apple stirred controversy last week when it announced it would scan iPhones for child exploitation imagery when those photos are uploaded to the company's iCloud storage service. The move has worried some privacy advocates concerned about the potential for surveillance and abuse. Google didn't respond to a request for comment asking if the company has similar plans for its Android mobile operating system.
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