Android Introduces SafetyCore: A New Tool for Sensitive Image Alerts

The recent emergence of the Android System SafetyCore has raised numerous questions among smartphone users, as the application appears to be quietly installed on a variety of devices. Users can rest assured that this app is not malware, but its presence may not be welcomed by everyone.

According to information available on the Google Play Store, SafetyCore functions as a system service for devices running Android 9 and newer. The service underpins features aimed at alerting users to potentially sensitive content in Google Messages, enabling them to better protect themselves from unwanted material. Google noted that while the rollout of SafetyCore began last year, the functionality for sensitive content warnings within Google Messages will progressively become available throughout 2025.

Specifically, Google Messages will utilize this feature to issue warnings regarding nude images. The company emphasizes that the processing for these sensitive content alerts occurs directly on the device, ensuring that images and alerts remain private and are not shared externally.

A blog post from Google's security team last October elaborated on these planned enhancements for the Messages app, outlining a commitment to prioritize security. Google has developed robust, device-based, AI-powered filters to protect users from an estimated two billion suspicious messages received monthly. These include warnings against phishing attempts, fraudulent package delivery notifications, and alerts about potentially dangerous links, along with options to block messages from unidentified international senders.

Among these features, the contentious 'Sensitive Content Warning' aims to give users control over whether they wish to view or send nude images. Google describes this function as an optional feature that blurs content that may depict nudity before it is displayed. Users will receive a notification featuring a 'speed bump' that offers assistance or the choice to view the content. When enabled, this warning will also activate if an image showcasing nudity is sent or forwarded, thus aiming to minimize the risk of accidentally sharing such images.

This 'speed bump' feature is suggested to include a vibration alert. Google further clarifies that this function operates on users' devices and does not compromise their privacy, as end-to-end encryption remains intact. Importantly, this feature does not grant Google access to the content of images, nor does the company learn about nudity detection.

Apple users are already familiar with similar functionalities, which have been integrated into its messaging platform for several years. In mid-2023, Apple extended its nude image scanning capabilities from the iMessage app to additional operating system components and videos.