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

Shalina Devine Toplines 'Thr3e #7' From Dorcel

Shalina Devine headlines the latest release from Dorcel, titled "Thr3e #7."

Chloe Amour Headlines 'Unfaithful Betrayal 3' From Bellesa Films

Chloe Amour toplines the third volume of “Unfaithful Betrayal” from Bellesa Films.

Anissa Kate, Jordan Starr Top AEBN for Q2 of 2025

AEBN has published its top-selling stars for the second quarter of 2025, with Anissa Kate landing atop the leaderboard for straight theaters and Jordan Starr heading up the gay rankings.

Misty Addams Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Misty Addams stars with husband Island Boy Brandon and 2024 XMA Europas Male Performer of the Year Christian Clay in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

AEBN Reveals Eva Maxim as Top Trans Star for Q2 of 2025

AEBN has published its top trans stars list for the second quarter of 2025, with Eva Maxim landing atop the leaderboard.

Pastelle Makes Her TransAngels Debut

Pastelle has made her TransAngels debut alongside Ali Rush in "Royal Sucksession."

A Day With Mike Quasar: Porn, Pets and Wit That Won't Quit

Mike Quasar has been working in the adult industry for 34 years. The highly respected veteran director admits to feeling a little astonished by this fact.

Kelly Holland's Industry Animal Rescue Charity Event 'Vice Is Nice' Returns Saturday

The 13th annual Vice Is Nice event, a long-standing adult industry fundraiser for Animal Rescue Alliance (TARA), will take place Saturday in Chatsworth.

France Reinstates Age Verification Rule for EU Sites

France’s highest court, the Council of State, on Tuesday reinstated age verification rules for EU-based sites under the country’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law, ruling in favor of the French government and against Hammy Media.

Show More