Google Image Removal: Want to remove that embarrassing online image fast? Contact our Google Image Removal Team today to get started.
Image removal from Google is a constant preoccupation in today’s digitally-driven reality. That’s because many pictures appearing on Google’s first page may not only hurt your reputation, but damage your brand and even your career.
The main problem with removing an image from Google? Most content cannot be removed so easily from the internet. Image search results tend to stick around because other sites pick up on Google searches, then republish information.
And while it’s generally easier to remove an image from an article, blog post, or mugshot site, Google search result removal can sometimes get a little complicated.
If you’re sitting at your computer wondering “How do I remove my picture from Google?”, know that hope is not lost. No matter how embarrassing, incriminating, or detrimental the image is, we can show you how to remove that image and restore your reputation for good.
Can I Remove an Image from Google Search Results?
Google’s image removal is problematic because Google only agrees to remove images or content under certain circumstances.
Basically, when removing an image from the internet, there are two main approaches:
- When the photo is your property
- When your photo was posted by a third-party site or blog
The first scenario is the easiest one to control. Simply delete the image from your website or social profile. Then, make sure Google Images has removed the image from search results. You can check in Google search results to see where your image is posted, then take the steps needed to remove images. Each site will have different procedures for removing images.
Sound too complicated? NetReputation can help clean up Google search results, request removal on your behalf, and protect your reputation.
If the image is no longer live, why do I need to check with Google?
Because search result removal doesn’t happen immediately. Google Images stores the initial search content on their servers and only links to your website when a visitor clicks the image. Google images are a popular place for people to conduct searches for people or other images. As such, the service is considered high authority and receives high rankings in Google’s index.
And if you’re wondering how long it takes for Google to remove an image, know that it can take anywhere from a week to a few months. Google’s index is fast, but the process to remove images takes time. Removal depends on how quickly Google de-indexes the updated content.
If you’re anxious to speed up the Google-specific image removal process, try this: get the image URL to the image, visit the website’s content removal and request removal page. While it may take Google some time to complete removal, that photo will eventually disappear from search results.
And if you want to keep images on your Facebook or Instagram private, simply change the privacy settings within each account. Most social platforms provide the option to switch account visibility from “public” to “private.” Once on “private,” your content is effectively off of search and out of public view.
Removing Images from Google That You Don’t Own
When you aren’t the webmaster, Google’s image removal may be a bit more difficult. That’s because Google doesn’t censor search results based on random removal requests. Often, Google refuses removals for technical reasons. Such reasons may be that the information was deemed a compelling public interest, or that it represents more than one URL, etc. In other words, just because you request images removal doesn’t mean that Google search will comply to your request.
Google search can be a challenging entity to navigate, but if you follow the steps below, you have a better chance of improving search results — and protecting or repairing your reputation.
But as long as the image is removed from the original source, Google will eventually remove that image from search results pages.
While removing content like images from third-party sites might be tricky (particularly in cases of unresponsive webmasters), it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.
Often, if you came across embarrassing photos you can’t delete on your own in search results, your only option is to contact the site owner directly. When you contact the site owner, be sure to include a link to the image and the reasons for your request. If your image was posted maliciously, your request likely stands a good chance at success. In any case, it doesn’t hurt to ask — be polite, present your case, and hope for the best when it comes to remove images on third party sites.
But when your content shows up on an unscrupulous site, an email may do no good. In this case, removing your photo may require legal measures, a right to be forgotten request or an image suppression campaign. In these cases, you may have to resort to actions brought by an attorney, such as a formal takedown notice, DMCA violation, or similar removal requests process.
Violations of Website Content Policies
If embarrassing images are found in Google search, one option you may leverage when requesting removal is to demonstrate that the image violates Google’s own content policy. In general, Google will remove images that are:
- Exploitative in nature
- Containing personal or sensitive information
- Involuntary pornography
- Sexual abuse material
- Spam
Once Google reviews the images you’ve requested removal for, they may find that those images violate the content policy and delete them from search results. Other websites hosting inappropriate images may have similar content policies; it’s a great idea to check with webmasters if you’re concerned about an embarrassing image or photo.
Alternatives Methods To Remove Images From Google
If the same image was posted maliciously and is affecting your reputation, you might consider a legal Google image removal solution.
Don’t know where to start?
Getting a court order may solve the situation the fastest. To attain a court order, you must first file a lawsuit against the site or person posting the content. Court orders can be useful if, for example, you had a mugshot or other arrest photo and your charges were dropped or expunged. If courts require offending sites to remove an image, you may be in luck.
Note: hiring an attorney will significantly improve your chances of success in removing an image from Google. To help streamline the process, copy the URL of any site that has your images visible, allowing your legal representative to target each site with the appropriate solution.
Just so you know, taking the lawsuit route can be expensive and time-consuming. Even with legal assistance, the process to remove images from Google can be all but impossible.
So, when a website doesn’t agree to remove your image, your best option may be to file a removal request with Google.
If the image meets certain criteria (i.e. is non-consensual, explicit, an intimate personal image or involuntary fake pornography, etc.), Google must honor the removal request. To learn more about Google’s image removal guidelines, visit their page.
“Right to be forgotten” requests came into effect as part of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in May 2018. Currently, it only applies to European citizens. According to Article 17 of the GDPR,
“The data subject shall have the right to obtain from the controller the erasure of personal data concerning him or her without undue delay and the controller shall have the obligation to erase personal data without undue delay.”
Simply put, you can request that Google and other search engines remove search results when you meet certain criteria. In some cases, however, an image from Google may be considered as having a compelling public interest, and may not be removed even if you complete a request to pull it from Google search results.
How to Suppress an Image in Google
When all other Google image removal efforts fall short, the best course of action is to suppress those images in search results.
But, how do you do that?
To bury unwanted content and regain control of your online footprint, you first need to own your Google search presence. And owning your search results means posting positive content to occupy those results while pushing embarrassing photos out of sight. Furthermore, practices like reverse SEO can help suppress unwanted search results.
Note: posting images on random websites rarely works. You need to present your images or other content so that search results reflect your efforts. It’s crucial to create new content people want to see. The more people click on your picture, the more relevant it’ll be for search. Here, practices like reputation management and SEO can be extremely valuable. The better your content, the more likely it is to appear in search results where others can find it.
And if you want your posts to deliver the desired image removal result, be sure to:
- Create compelling images
- Add Alt texts to every photo
- Embed images in many sites’ contents
- Add pictures already grabbing attention
- Apply search engine optimization features to improve visibility in Google search.
How to Check if Google Removed an Image
A Google image removal shouldn’t mean the end of your efforts. Ignoring your online presence leaves your online reputation open to attack, including from pictures, posts, comments and more.
Monitoring and maintaining online results keeps your reputation stellar. It also prevents potential crises from doing further damage. This technique can help you identify problems before they can harm your online reputation — the digital footprint you’ve worked so hard to maintain.
While you can perform manual searches of your name and brand, you’ll likely find a handful of results. This can be a taxing, time-consuming task. If you’re wondering “How do I remove my picture from Google for good,” without the drudgery of daily searches, a proven reputation company may be the answer.
NetReputation’s specialists can help you remove and suppress harmful images for good. Our comprehensive reputation management solutions include:
- Suppression of Internet Slander
- Mugshot and Arrest Image Removal
- Public Information and News Article Suppression
- Suppression of Internet Defamation
- Complaint Website Suppression
- Court Case Suppression
- Litigation Suppression
- Online Reputation Management
- AutoSuggest
- Brand Reputation Protection
- Reputation Mistakes Repair
- Company Name Protection
- Online Slander Protection
- Personal Wikipedia Page
- Fix Executive Officer Reputation
NetReputation Offers Google Image Removal Services
When someone searches your name online, what’s the first thing they see? Is it a harmful image, negative news article, bad reviews… or something even worse?
At NetReputation, we specialize in customized Google image removal and reputation management solutions that put you in control. From removing embarrassing photos to suppressing bad news and more, we provide the tools and technology you need to thrive on the web.
Contact NetReputation Today
At NetReputation, we have helped thousands of people take charge of their digital footprints. If search results contain negative content, such as unwanted or embarrassing images, we can assist with removing images quickly and permanently.
If you’re ready to request removal of images or simply need help with establishing, building, or restoring your online reputation, speak to one of our reputation experts today at 844-461-3632. If you prefer, simply complete the form below and one of our representatives will be in touch promptly.
by Net Reputation