# Google Photos redaction feature

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/google-photos-redaction-feature
> Updated: 2026-07-27T14:34:48.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Google began testing a new editing option in Google Photos called “Redact,” which lets users conceal sensitive information—such as license plates, faces, addresses, codes, receipts, or other personal data—directly on photos before sharing. The tool operates locally on the device, avoiding uploads to Google’s servers, and uses image‑recognition algorithms to suggest elements for blurring or pixelation. Its discovery in the app’s code signaled an effort to simplify privacy protection and compete with other photo‑editing apps that already offer manual redaction.

A few days later, Google confirmed the testing of Redact and added a separate user‑controlled setting to disable the white‑flash overlay that appears when the app suggests creating stickers. This “Show flash” option allows users to turn off the brief reflective effect while retaining the sticker functionality. Together, these updates illustrate Google’s incremental rollout of privacy‑focused editing tools within Google Photos.

## Timeline

### 2026-07-27: Google Photos adds redaction tool and disables annoying glare overlay

Google Photos is testing a ‘Redact’ feature to hide sensitive info in images and adds a setting to disable the white‑flash overlay used for stickers.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/google-photos-adds-redaction-tool-and-disables-annoying-glare-overlay

### 2026-07-24: Google launches Redact tool to hide sensitive data in photos

Google is testing Redact, a local‑on‑device tool to blur faces, license plates and other sensitive details in photos before sharing, aiming to boost privacy and compete with rival apps.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/google-launches-redact-tool-to-hide-sensitive-data-in-photos

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Cite as: Google Photos redaction feature. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/google-photos-redaction-feature