India Tightens AI Rules; Google Simplifies Removal of Personal Data and Deepfakes from Search

As the Indian government enforces stricter IT regulations around AI-generated content and deepfakes — including mandatory labelling and faster takedown deadlines — Google has unveiled new tools designed to help users remove explicit images and sensitive personal information from its Search results.

The move comes amid growing global scrutiny of how technology companies address online abuse and manipulated content. According to Google, the updated Search features are aimed at giving victims of digital exploitation greater control over what appears about them online and simplifying the reporting process.

In an official blog post, the company detailed a streamlined removal mechanism that allows users to report explicit images directly from Search. Here’s how it works:

• Click the three dots next to a Search result.

• Select the “Remove result” option from the menu.

• Specify the reason for removal. If the content includes explicit or intimate imagery, users can select the option indicating it shows a sexual image of them.

One of the key improvements is the ability to report multiple images or links within a single request. Previously, users were required to submit separate complaints for each individual result. The updated system allows several explicit results to be selected and reported together, making the process faster and less repetitive.

After submitting a request, users can track its status through the “Results about you” hub — a dedicated dashboard that displays pending and reviewed requests and sends notifications when updates occur.

Google has also introduced additional safeguards. Once a removal request is approved, users can enable a feature that filters out similar explicit results from appearing in future searches tied to their name. This measure is particularly relevant in cases involving AI-generated deepfakes, where altered content may resurface in slightly modified forms.

Beyond explicit imagery, Google is expanding its removal policies to cover a broader range of sensitive personal data. Users can now request the removal of government ID numbers, home addresses, and phone numbers from Search results. The system can also proactively alert users if new instances of such information are detected online, allowing them to act quickly.

However, Google clarified that these removals apply only to its Search listings. The original content will remain on the source website unless it is independently removed by the hosting platform.

Rollout timeline
The updated safer Search tools are being gradually rolled out across multiple countries, including India.