

Google is expanding its policy around protecting personal information because users requested the change, Chang said. Google also recently changed its policy on photos of minors

They mainly deal with information that is deemed "broadly useful" or part of the public record, such as newsworthy data or material that's posted to government sites or other official outlets.Īlong with contact information, you can ask Google to remove results that include login credentials and other sensitive data.

"It's important to remember that removing content from Google Search won't remove it from the internet, which is why you may wish to contact the hosting site directly, if you're comfortable doing so," Chang said.Įven with the changes, there are still a few reasons Google might deny a removal request. It also recommends including screenshots. It asks for things like the URL of any webpages displaying your personal data, along with the search terms and URL of the Google search you used to find those pages. You can fill out a form to take your contact info out of search resultsĪnyone wanting to submit a removal request can use a special online form that walks users through the process. While it previously offered to scrub personal and financial information in cases of a real or potential threat - such as doxxing or identity theft - the company says people can now ask for their information to be removed even if there's no clear risk. The new policy sharply lowers Google's bar for removing data from search results. She noted that the data could result in "unwanted direct contact or even physical harm." "The availability of personal contact information online can be jarring," said Michelle Chang, Google's global policy lead for search, as she recently announced the change. Google is offering a new tool to anyone who doesn't want their phone number, email or street address and other personal information to be found online: People can ask for their contact details to be stripped from search results. Google has expanded its policies to make it easier for people to request personal contact information be removed from online search results.
