You can now ask Google to remove your personal information. Here’s how to do it
Google is offering users a way to get their personal information removed from the search engine to counter potential harassment.
Although the company previously had a removal process in place for sensitive information, like bank numbers or credit card information, that policy is being expanded.
“Open access to information is a key goal of Search, but so is empowering people with the tools they need to protect themselves and keep their sensitive, personally identifiable information private,” Google shared in an April 27 blog post.
Now, users can request the removal of information like phone numbers, email and physical addresses.
“The availability of personal contact information online can be jarring — and it can be used in harmful ways, including for unwanted direct contact or even physical harm,” the company wrote.
Here’s how and what qualifies
According to Google, the information must fall under a specific set of parameters. But put simply, any contact information that could lead to harassment is now able to be removed, along with identification documents, handwritten signatures and official records.
You can submit a removal request by going to this Google help page.
Then you can fill out a form in the Help Center specifying your request and where the information is present.
The company will review your request, and you will get a notification via email of any action that has been taken regarding the removal request.
Google says it will likely turn down a request if the information in question is newsworthy content. Additionally, if the information is available on government websites or on a matter of public record, it will not be removed.
“We generally aim to preserve information access if the content is determined to be of public interest,” according to the search engine.
If your request is approved, the information will no longer appear in any Google Search query but may still exist on the internet elsewhere.
“Maximizing access to information while empowering people to be in control of their sensitive, personally identifiable information is a critical balance to strike,” the blog post said. “We believe these updates are an important step to deliver on that goal and give people the tools they need to protect their safety and privacy online.”
This story was originally published April 28, 2022 at 4:33 PM with the headline "You can now ask Google to remove your personal information. Here’s how to do it."
