Google Search is making updates to combat deepfakes. Search results similar to the fake images are scanned and removed, and only high-quality content is shown for explicit searches.

Google has added new updates to curb the spread of deepfakes in its search engine. Users can already submit a removal request to Google when they discover a deepfake. Now Google goes a step further and also filters related results from similar searches. In addition, the search results of users who explicitly search for deepfakes of specific people are limited to high-quality content.

Eliminate deepfakes

Google is updating Google Search to restrict deepfakes in its search engine. Deepfakes are realistic-looking, manipulative images that can damage the reputation of (well-known) people. For some time now, users have had the option of submitting a request to Google to have such images removed, which in turn carries out the request.

Now the company is going one step further in the fight against fake images. After the deletion request has been approved, Google filters all explicit results of similar search queries to them. The search engine looks for duplicate images so that they can also be removed. This gives victims the certainty that the same images will not suddenly appear on new websites.

Harder to find

In addition, Google is making changes to its algorithm to influence the ranking system. If users were to specifically search for explicit deepfakes with a person’s name, the results would only show high-quality content, such as a news article about that person.

The announcement also shows that Google is working on a system to provide training on the impact of deepfakes on society to users who explicitly search for deepfakes.