How to Remove Images From Google

Google images are the closest thing to permanence in the digital world unless you choose to remove images from Google yourself. While the internet might be a great resource for information where images can be uploaded, viewed, shared, or downloaded, the problem lies when this happens without permission.

Google search is the largest search engine in the world, with massive databases and useful resources. Its databases can host Google images. even if those images shouldn’t be displayed due to copyright infringement.

If you’ve peeked in on the Google search engine and found an image uploaded without your knowledge or consent, the only way to remove it from Google images is by getting it removed from Google itself.

There are three major ways to get images removed from Google search results. This guide will explain how to remove images from Google using these strategies.

Disputing Copyright Claims 

One of the best ways to get an image removed from Google search results is to dispute copyright claims. This is applicable in certain situations when the image uploaded is one you own and was uploaded by a site owner without your consent.

Image removal is much easier when there is an intellectual property violation. You can directly file a removal request with Google or the site owner to remove an image and its digital footprint

If you own paintings or artwork, there are also ways to see if your photos have been taken without your consent with Google Lens. When using the feature, Google searches for the image search results online and gives you the image URL where your image can be found.

If you’ve had copyrighted work, photos, or other images uploaded to Google search results without your consent, it is still your responsibility to have the images taken down. Google has a proprietary method of monitoring all images uploaded to its database, which doesn’t always include copyright infringement concerns.

However, before starting your dispute process for removing images, make sure you have proof that the image is copyrighted and that it was uploaded to Google search without your consent. If you are working on behalf of someone else, make sure they can prove copyright claims and provide proof that there was no consent asked of them.

How to Dispute a Copyright Claim

If the image has not yet initially been filed, to start the dispute, the copyright owner should register their work with the United States Copyright Office. Once the work has been registered, the owner can file a Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) takedown notice with Google.

Make sure to copy the link address to the infringing image and provide a statement confirming the copyright owner’s infringement claim and the copyright holder’s signature. Once the DMCA notice is filed, Google will review the notice and may remove the image from their server. Eventually, the image will no longer appear on Google search results. 

If you’re ready to request removal of images due to copyright claims, ensure you have enough evidence to back up why you own the original image and provide this evidence to Google.

You’ll need documents to show your personal contact info, like a national ID, information on your claims, and evidence of your ownership. If the image is on third-party sites, you can contact those sites directly before contacting Google for image removal help.

If the site posting photos has a habit of pushing embarrassing photos or copyrighted content, you can report them directly to the host site. If image removal is not enough, you can file a removal request for the whole blog post or website.

Reporting Improper Content 

Copyright claims are not the only reasons why you can have an image removed from Google search results. Another strong case you can make to have the content removed online is if it includes improper content.

Google search has policies that determine what types of images and content can be uploaded and shared, and any images that violate these policies can be reported directly to Google. The user must access the reporting tool in their Google account to report an image and identify inappropriate content. 

Despite Google search results already having a sophisticated way of tracking inappropriate content, some images slip through the cracks occasionally. However, you must still prove that the images break Google search results rules regarding appropriate imagery and not just because they offend you.

Image removal is easier if the image in question is illegal. However, if the web pages posting images offend or damage you directly, a search result removal could still be valid.

You’ll also want to remove images from Google search if it promotes identity theft (shows critical contact info), classifies as involuntary fake pornography, revenge porn, or child sexual abuse material, or includes sensitive medical records. Negative content can also be described as harmful content that goes against the public interest.

If you attempt to take down embarrassing images from Google’s index because it offends you, you can also report how it damages your person. If an image violates your brand or values or directly attacks you, you can contact Google to file removal requests.

Google will then review the report and take action if necessary. Typically, the image will be removed from Google. Still, in some cases, Google may take additional steps to address the image, such as reporting it to the appropriate law enforcement agency or blocking access to the image. 

In the case of Google search results not taking action to remove the image from Google searches, this is when you should approach law enforcement and have them assist you in getting the image removed from Google search.

It’s also important to note that images from Google that are in the compelling public interest won’t be tagged as negative images. In this case, approaching law enforcement is advised to remove the specific images from official records.

Using the “Remove Outdated Content” Tool 

The last solution for removing unflattering, damaging, or incorrect content from Google searches is by tagging it as outdated content. This is especially true if there is updated information on the search results.

It is very common for a site owner to constantly update information via images. However, when a site owner uploads new images, the older, outdated image sometimes remains in search results despite not being available via the site’s hosting company.

Google also provides a “Remove Outdated Content” (ROC) tool, which allows users to request that content be removed from Google if it is no longer relevant or includes inaccurate or outdated information. To use this tool, the user must be able to provide evidence that the content is no longer relevant or up to date.

Once the information is provided, Google will review the request and take action if necessary. They may contact the owner of the image or website and request that the content is updated or removed. 

In some cases, Google may deny the request, and the image in question may remain visible in their search engine.

To prove that the content is outdated, you must show a similar or same image that is an updated version of the original image. It would help if you highlighted the outdated image’s negative effects.

Aside from service or products, outdated images can harm your business, especially regarding location. Outdated location pictures can result in customers getting lost, stores being unrecognized, or giving false expectations of what the store looks like.

Why Removing Images from Google is Important

If an image appears in a search query, it could potentially return results unrelated to its content. This means that images can slow down and hinder the search results and potentially mislead users regarding what information is relevant to their query.

Google also provides a huge range of services that rely on images to provide users with useful data – such as Google Earth, Google Maps, and Google Photos. Images allow these services to provide the user with detailed, accurate information about the locations they are exploring.

However, these services cannot work to their full potential without removing images. Images can distract users as they search for information and services within these applications. Additionally, images can interrupt the display of geographic information and make it hard for a user to look for the right location.

When you choose to remove images from Google, this process can also benefit users in terms of privacy since images can be used to track user activities to create personalized results to better match the user’s search habits. By removing an image from Google, users can ensure that their data is kept safe and their privacy is protected.

Google tends to be more heavily regulated when using images in its services due to the increased potential of images being misused or used to spread hate or inappropriate content.

Finally, image removal from Google increases efficiency and removes the need to sift through unnecessary results.

Disadvantages of Removing an Image from Google

The explosion of digital media, including images, has made our lives more convenient in numerous ways, but there are a few drawbacks to consider when considering removing images from Google. 

Loss of Content

Google images are an important asset for the internet—they make it easier to understand complex topics, communicate ideas, and create more vivid experiences. By removing images from Google, users can miss out on a huge source of content and information. Additionally, valuable educational resources, visual aids for presentations, and more would be lost. 

If you plan to delete compelling images with valuable information, consider re-uploading a more updated version. This can be critical when uploading company information or details about your products and services.

Compromised Quality

If images were to be removed from Google, the quality of the images found might decrease. Without images directly from the search engine, web users would be at the mercy of websites that may not have quality standards or the capacity to check image quality. This could potentially lead to lowering overall quality standards on the web. 

If you’ve uploaded images during the early stages of the internet, it’s pretty understandable that the images will not be top quality. This, however, doesn’t mean that they should be removed, especially if they play an integral part in your personal or professional growth (unless they contain content that can damage your brand).

Negative Impact on Small Businesses

Most businesses rely heavily on images to promote their products or services, create customer loyalty, and attract interest. Without effective images on Google, these businesses could find themselves at an extreme disadvantage compared to larger businesses. This can further widen the gap between large corporations and small businesses, making it more difficult for the latter to attract customers and drive sales. 

Each product or service you sell has to have an image attached to it. Should you not have a high-quality image to use immediately, use a regular one and switch it later for better photos when you have them. Your search results become more effective when you have images attached to what you’re selling.

Removing images from Google can have a major negative impact on users. Without the presence of quality images, there could be serious consequences for digital marketing, education, and small businesses. Keeping these cons in mind when considering removing images from Google is important, as an informed decision is key to a successful outcome.

When to Remove an Image from Google

It’s important to remember that some images on Google can be inappropriate, offensive, and even illegal. They can also harm businesses and individuals. When it comes time to decide whether or not to remove an image from Google, there are some important factors to consider: 

Illegal or Offensive

When searching through images on Google, look out for images that are illegal or offensive in nature. Depending on your country, certain images may be protected under copyright law and can’t be used without permission. Other images may be offensive: dealing with racism, violence, or adult-oriented content. Whenever you find such images, it’s best to remove them. 

Proper Representation

Images on the internet can quickly become associated with your brand or yourself. For example, the internet can easily become associated with your company’s brand if you’re a business owner. On a personal level, most images you post online of yourself can quickly become associated with you. Take, for example, the reputational damage associated with a mugshot or other embarrassing image found in search results. If the image could hurt your brand or adversely affect your online reputation, it’s best to take it down. 

Image Ownership

In some cases, images and videos from other websites can appear on Google, potentially confusing or mislabelling the owner. If you think someone’s image was taken from another website or owned by someone else, get in touch with the rightful owner or content creator. Ask them whether or not the image should be removed or if something should be done about it.

Conclusion 

Images can make or break your brand or business, so it is important to keep damaging images out of the way. If embarrassing images can be found in search results, both your online reputation and personal privacy are at risk.

Much of the removal process relies heavily on Google’s decision to grant your request to remove an image. Once you have needed evidence, proof, or reason to remove an image from Google, you’ll find it easier to take it down.

If you’ve tried all the suggestions above and had no luck with Google, you need an experienced partner. Contact us or call Reputation Sciences at (844) 458-6735 to talk about what image you want to have removed from Google.