Google Leaks Sensitive Info on Victims of Image-Based Abuse

Google's handling of takedown requests for image-based sexual abuse material has been marred by controversy. The tech giant was found to have forwarded sensitive information from victims' removal requests, including personal details and messages expressing desperation, to a research institute without their consent.

The incident came to light after the Hankyoreh investigation revealed that Google had sent these requests, along with those from public agencies, to Project L. This research institute, affiliated with Harvard Law School, publicly posted the sensitive information on its website.

Victims who submitted removal requests were unaware that their personal data would be made public. The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family and the Korea Communications Standards Commission lodged a strong protest with Google, demanding an explanation for the leak and measures to prevent recurrence.

The incident has led organizations helping victims get illegal footage removed to indefinitely suspend such requests to Google. The National Center for Digital Sexual Crime Response temporarily halted related operations due to the lingering risk of leakage.