Google is developing a new global database of child abuse images, which would be shared with its rival firms, to eliminate child pornography on the web.
According to the search engine, database would detect images via a ‘hashing’ process, which assists in developing a unique fingerprint that enables Google, or websites to detect similar images based on what they actually resemble.
The new database, which is anticipated to be commissioned within a year, will also allow flagged child porn images by child protection organisations including the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) to be cleaned from the web.
Google Giving director Jacquelline Fuller said that the firm has been using ‘hashing’ technology since 2008 to tag known child sexual abuse images, allowing identifying duplicate images that may exist elsewhere.
"Each offending image in effect gets a unique ID that our computers can recognise without humans having to view them again," Fuller said.
"Recently, we’ve started working to incorporate encrypted ‘fingerprints’ of child sexual abuse images into a cross-industry database.
"This will enable companies, law enforcement and charities to better collaborate on detecting and removing these images, and to take action against the criminals."
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Google has also revealed $2m Child Protection Technology Fund to support independent software developers in creating new tools to battle child pornography.
"We’re in the business of making information widely available, but there’s certain "information" that should never be created or found," Fuller added.
"We can do a lot to ensure it’s not available online — and that when people try to share this disgusting content they are caught and prosecuted."
Recently, UK Prime minister David Cameron urged Google and other search engines to work harder to prevent child pornography saying that he is sickened by the proliferation of child pornography.
