Google review policy: sexually explicit content
Google does not allow explicit sexual content or adult content in reviews. For a business, one case matters most: a review that makes sexual remarks about a member of staff. That also breaks the rule on harassment. These are rare and clear. We report them the day we find them.
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Q. Z.
1 day ago on Google
[A sexually explicit description of a staff member.]
Explicit sexual content, which is also harassment of the person described.
Maria G.
2 weeks ago on Google
Waited 50 minutes past my appointment time and nobody said sorry. I will not be back.
A real patient describing a real wait. Google says not to report a review because you dislike it.
Example. Reviews written by us. Not real reviews.
Short answer
Google removes explicit sexual content and adult content from reviews, in text or in photos. A second rule, on harassment, covers sexual remarks about a person, such as a staff member. A patient who mentions sexual health while they describe their care has not broken any rule.
Key facts
Google does not allow sexually explicit content, including depictions of sexual acts intended to be sexually gratifying.
Source: Prohibited and restricted content, Google Maps User Generated Content Policy
Google's harassment policy covers unwanted sexualization or objectification of a person, including claims about a person's sexual activities.
Source: Prohibited and restricted content, Google Maps User Generated Content Policy
Google may allow explicit content for an educational, documentary, scientific or artistic purpose when it relates to the place and gives enough context.
Source: Prohibited and restricted content, Google Maps User Generated Content Policy
This rule in 27 seconds
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The rule, in Google's words
Google's Prohibited and restricted content page says: "we don't allow sexually explicit content." That includes:
Pornography or the depiction of sexual acts, genitals, or fetishes intended to be sexually gratifying.
Content that glorifies or promotes sexually explicit content or behavior.
The adult-themed content policy covers "non-explicit pornography or any content intended to be sexually gratifying". The harassment policy covers "content that results in unwanted sexualization or objectification of a person, including claims about a person's sexual activities, sexual orientation, or gender identity".
What this rule does not cover
- Plain mentions of sexual health, symptoms or results.
- Clinical language about a treatment you offer.
- Educational content with context, which Google may allow.
Google's report page sets the general limit: "Do not report a review just because you disagree with it or dislike it."
Evidence that supports a report
- The passage, identified but not repeated at length.
- The person targeted, if there is one, and that they did not consent.
Examples
These examples are ours. They are written to show the rule and are not real reviews. The cards at the top of this page show one review that can qualify and one that stays.
| Review text | Outcome under this policy | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Explicit sexual remarks about a named nurse | Can be reported | Harassment and sexually explicit content |
| An explicit photo attached to a review | Can be reported | Sexually explicit content |
| Claims about a staff member's sexual orientation | Can be reported | Harassment |
| "The ED medication worked after two weeks" | Stays online | A patient's experience |
| "Awkward conversation with the doctor about symptoms" | Stays online | An experience |
How to report it
A business reports a review from its Business Profile or from Google's Reviews Management Tool. Google says evaluation typically takes several days, and each review gets one appeal.
Choose the sexually explicit or harassment reason. Look after the person first: tell them, keep a screenshot, and ask if they want to report it themselves as well.
For health brands
ED, hormone and sexual wellness brands should expect honest reviews to use frank words. Do not report those. It wastes the report, and an uneven pattern of reports helps nobody.
Where to go next
See offensive content for abuse in general, and the main Google review removal page for the process. The qualification tool checks a review against Google's policies in a few questions.
If you would rather hand the work over, see our Google review removal service and what each removal costs.
Frequently asked questions
No. A patient who describes their care in plain words is sharing an experience. The rule is aimed at content meant to arouse, and at sexual remarks about a person.
Both. Name harassment first, because that is where Google lists this kind of remark. Tell the staff member before you do anything else.
Yes. Google says its policies apply to all Maps user content, including text reviews, ratings, images and videos.
Primary sources used on this page
- Prohibited and restricted content. Google Maps User Generated Content PolicyLast verified
- Report inappropriate reviews on your Business Profile. Google Business Profile HelpLast verified
- About our policies. Google Maps User Generated Content PolicyLast verified