1. Google’s Updated Guidance on Image Removal
Google has recently updated its emergency and non-emergency image removal guidance, providing users with additional details that bring clarity to the documentation. These updates aim to streamline the process and ensure that website owners have a better understanding of how to remove images from the search index effectively.
Emergency and Non-emergency Image Removal
Google offers multiple methods to remove images from the search index, both in emergency and non-emergency situations. While there were several relatively minor changes, certain topics underwent more significant updates. These topics include:
How to quickly remove images
- What to do when there is no access to the Content Delivery Network (CDN) hosting the images or when the Content Management System (CMS) doesn’t provide an option to block indexing
- More detailed information on the use of robots.txt for images
- How to utilize wildcards in robots.txt
- A clarification regarding the use of the noimageindex robots tag
2. Process of Removing Images from Search Index
Quick Removal of Images Using the Removals Tool
In cases where website owners need to swiftly remove images hosted on their site from Google’s search results, they can utilize the Removals tool. It’s important to note that unless the images are also removed from the site or otherwise blocked as outlined in the non-emergency image removal section, there is a possibility of them resurfacing in Google’s search results after the removal request expires.
Handling Images When There’s No Access to CDN or CMS
Another scenario addressed in the updated guidance is when an image is hosted on a CDN, but website owners encounter difficulties accessing it or their CMS does not offer a solution to block the image. In such cases, the documentation advises website owners to consider deleting the images from their site altogether if other alternatives are not available.
Implications of Not Removing Images from the Source
Website owners need to understand the consequences of not removing images from their source. Failing to remove the images from the site or blocking them properly means there is a chance they will continue to appear in Google’s search results. This highlights the importance of following the recommended procedures to ensure effective image removal from the search index.
3. Changes in Robots.txt Guidance
Clarification on Robots.txt Structure
The updated documentation includes minor additions to two paragraphs, resulting in a clearer message. The phrase, “for example https://yoursite.example.com/robots.txt,” was added to emphasize the inclusion of the website’s specific robots.txt URL. These changes aim to provide website owners with a better understanding of the robots.txt structure and its relevance to image removal.
Detailed Information on Using Wildcards in Robots.txt
Another significant change in the guidance pertains to the use of wildcards in robots.txt. Wildcards, represented by the ‘*’ symbol, allow for greater flexibility and control. The update provides more elaborate instructions on utilizing wildcards effectively.
For instance, the new guidance offers tangible examples of how wildcards can be used to match multiple image paths with a single rule.
Impact of Wildcard Characters in the Filename
The guidance now includes an explanation of how wildcard characters function in the filename.
For instance, when images share a common suffix in the “images” directory, the wildcard character can be used to match multiple filenames with one pattern. By providing precise details on the impact and application of wildcard characters, Google aims to make the image removal process more accessible and comprehensible for website owners.
4. Noimageindex Robots Tag and Its Caveats
Effect of Noimageindex Robots Tag on Image Indexing
One of the significant changes in the updated guidance revolves around the noimageindex robots tag. The documentation now includes a caveat concerning the use of this tag. Adding the noimageindex tag to a specific page also prevents the indexing of images embedded within that page.
However, if these same images appear on other pages, they may still get indexed through those alternative pages. To ensure the blocking of a specific image regardless of its location, website owners are advised to use the noindex X-Robots-Tag HTTP response header.
Preventing Images from Getting Indexed through Pages
The updated guidance emphasizes the importance of preventing images from being indexed through various pages. Website owners should be aware that if the noimageindex robots tag is applied to a particular page, it will only prevent indexing for images embedded within that specific page. This clarification encourages website owners to utilize the noindex X-Robots-Tag HTTP response header to ensure that images are consistently blocked.
Importance of Using Noindex X-Robots-Tag HTTP Response Header
To effectively prevent the indexing of particular images, regardless of their presence on multiple pages, the use of the noindex X-Robots-Tag HTTP response header is crucial. The update emphasizes the significance of adopting this header to ensure that website owners have complete control over image indexing.
Google’s ongoing updates to its documentation, such as this recent clarification on emergency image removal, demonstrate the company’s commitment to providing users with accurate and helpful information. By streamlining the image removal process and addressing potential areas of confusion, Google aims to assist website owners in managing their search index effectively.
For further details and to review the updated guidance on removing images from Google’s index, please refer to the link provided: Remove images hosted on your site from search results.
