Have you ever Googled yourself and cringed at the results? If so, you’re not alone.
It may seem impossible to keep your personal information secure and prevent it from appearing on search engines.
Fortunately, Google has developed a new tool to help users remove personal information from Google search results.
In this article, we’ll explain how this update works and what kind of information you can remove from Google searches.
We’ll also cover how to request removal from Google if you find unwanted content about yourself.
What Information Can You Remove from Google Searches?
Users have previously only been able to remove personally identifiable information that could result in problems like doxxing or financial fraud.
But Google has now relaxed its requirements. You can now request the removal of the following personal information…
- Contact information like your phone number, email address, or physical address.
- Government-issued ID numbers like a U.S. Social Security Number.
- Bank account or credit card numbers.
- Images of a handwritten signature or ID document.
- Private medical records.
- Confidential log-in credentials.
How to Request Removal from Google
You can ask for the removal of personal information if you Googled yourself and found any of the above items in the search results.
Click the three dots next to the search result listing to request removal.
You will then be directed to Google’s new removal tool, where you will be prompted with questions on the nature of the information being shared.
You can then submit your request to Google for their review.
Unfortunately, not every request is guaranteed to lead to your personal information being removed. Google may not comply with the request to remove personal information from its search results if it is deemed newsworthy or hosted on a governmental website or any other official source.
What Personal Information Won’t be Removed
Keep in mind Google has no control over removing your personal information from any websites other than Google. They can only remove the information and the link from their search results.
Any content Google removes from its results may still be available online since Google Search displays information gathered from websites all over the internet.
It might still be accessible via social media or other search engines.
In that case, Google advises contacting the offending website and asking it to remove the harmful content.
The Pros and Cons of Removing Your Personal Information
On the one hand, removing your personal information from Google searches can help protect you from identity theft, phishing scams, and other malicious activities.
But scrubbing your search results can also make it difficult for prospective employers or business partners to find out more about you online.
Ultimately, the decision to remove personal information from Google searches should depend on your specific situation and comfort level with being searchable online.
Conclusion
Taking control of your personal information and protecting yourself from potential risks is essential.
Now, thanks to Google’s new removal tool, you have the power to decide which details should be available in search results about you.
Whether for security purposes or a more professional online presence, taking the time to review what appears in your search results is a crucial step.
Hopefully, this article has helped you gain more insight into how to delete your personal information from Google searches.
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