East Kent Locksmiths Flagged by Google AI Over “Inappropriate” Door Handle Images in Bizarre Moderation Error

East Kent Locksmiths Post Removed by Google AI Moderation System

When a door handle apparently becomes “too exciting for the internet”

We recently had one of those moments that reminds you just how far technology has come, and occasionally, how easily it can get a bit confused.

A recent post on our Google Business Profile, featuring a couple of routine locksmith jobs in Canterbury, was automatically removed by Google’s moderation system. The reason given was a policy violation relating to “explicit content.”

Yes… a door handle.

To be absolutely clear, the post simply showed standard locksmith work: assisting a customer with faulty door locks and sharing close-up images of the completed repair. Nothing unusual, nothing inappropriate, just everyday work we carry out across East Kent.

So what actually happened?

We completely understand what Google is trying to achieve here. Their systems are designed to keep platforms safe and appropriate, and that’s something we fully support as a business.

In this case, however, it looks like the automated moderation system had a bit of an overreaction to close-up images of door hardware — which, in isolation, may have been misinterpreted.

We’re guessing this wasn’t a targeted review of locksmithing excellence… but you never know what AI makes of a shiny cylinder lock at 2x zoom.

The real job behind the post

The work itself was straightforward: helping a local customer in Kent who was experiencing issues with their door locks. Our locksmith attended, resolved the fault, and restored full security to the property.

No drama, no excitement (human or AI-approved) just a normal day on the tools.

Keeping things in perspective

While it gave us a bit of a laugh in the office, we also see it as a reminder of how automated systems are still learning context. And to be fair, when you’re scanning millions of images and posts, a shiny piece of door hardware probably isn’t the easiest thing to interpret in isolation.

We’ve since appealed the decision, and everything is back on track.

Still doing what we do best

At East Kent Locksmiths, we’ll continue sharing our work, advice, and local updates across East Kent, just with the occasional reminder that even AI sometimes needs a second look.

And for the record: we’re fully behind Google’s efforts to keep content safe and appropriate. This one just made us smile.