Google Admits to Scanning Gmail for CP

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — After being credited with a tip to led to the arrest of Texas man “possessing and promoting” sexually explicit images of children, Google has revealed that it does indeed scan Gmail to find and report such illegal imagery.

However, in a statement given to SiliconeBeat, Google says it does not scan email for anything else, including other types of illegal activity.

“Sadly, all Internet companies have to deal with child sexual abuse. It’s why Google actively removes illegal imagery from our services — including search and Gmail — and immediately reports abuse to [National Center for Missing and Exploited Children],” Google said in the statement. “This evidence is regularly used to convict criminals. Each child sexual abuse image is given a unique digital fingerprint, which enables our systems to identify those pictures, including in Gmail.

“It is important to remember that we only use this technology to identify child sexual abuse imagery, not other email content that could be associated with criminal activity (for example using email to plot a burglary).”

Some concern over Gmail privacy surfaced after Houston police said it received information about previously convicted sex offender John Skillern for reportedly sending images of underage girls through his email from the NCMEC, who in turn said they received the information from Google.

Google reports to use software expressly designed to detect illegal child porn images, which, if they have previously been identified, bear encrypted digital codes marking them as such. The software detects the code, and triggers a software alarm.

The search engine giant has previously faced lawsuits for scanning software for advertising purposes and to fight spam. However, in the wake of the NSA scandal, Google denies handing over personal information to government bodies, unless compelled by a legal order.   

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Leilani Li Fronts Latest From TransAngels

Leilani Li stars with Tony Genius in the latest release from TransAngels, titled “Breathe In, Stretched Out.”

Taliban Restricts Access to Adult Content by Shutting Down Internet

The Taliban has shut down internet access across a large portion of Afghanistan in a move to prevent what it deems "immoral activities."

Elania Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Creator Elania stars with her husband Shaun and Hollywood Cash in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Go.cam Launches Video Spoofing Protection

Go.cam has announced that its verification solution now features security against video spoofing.

SexLikeReal Releases 'VR Self-Care' Guide

SexLikeReal (SLR) has published a blog post spotlighting “VR Self-Care.”

Alaina Taylor, Octavia Red Topline 'Lesbian Tutors 11'

Alaina Taylor and Octavia Red headline "Lesbian Tutors 11" from Girlfriends Films.

West Coast Productions Showcase 'Hazel Grace: Reflections' Premieres

Hazel Grace gets the spotlight in a new five-part showcase release from West Coast Productions (WCP).

Lexi Luna Stars in Latest From MILFY

Lexi Luna stars with Parker Ambrose in the latest release from Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint MILFY.

Brady Mills Agency to Launch 'AgeWallet' Subscription AV Solution

Tech company Brady Mills Agency announced that its subscription-based merchant age verification solution, AgeWallet, will launch in November.

EU Advocate General: France Can Require Foreign Sites to Implement AV

An advocate general of the European Union’s Court of Justice on Thursday advised the court to rule that France may require pornographic websites based in other EU states to implement age verification in accordance with French law.

Show More