Google Releases New Search Results Removal Request Feature

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Google Search Results Content Removal Overview: 

• Who: Google announced last week that it is expanding the type of personally identifiable content a user can request to have removed from its search engine results. 
• Why: Google says it is implementing the changes due to the amount of personally identifiable information that is now online and the amount of harmful ways it can be used.
• Where: Google is used as a search engine by web users nationwide.

Google introduced new options last week to enhance data privacy and data security for users that want to have their personally identifiable information removed from showing up in the company’s search engine results.

The new options expand on data privacy policies already in place for users who want to request the removal of certain content from appearing in Google’s search results.

“Privacy and online safety go hand in hand. And when you’re using the internet, it’s important to have control over how your sensitive, personally identifiable information can be found,” Google says in a blog post published on Apr. 27.

Google’s policies are focused on removing “highly personal content” that could cause “direct harm” if it were to show up in a search engine.

Previously, users were only able to request the removal of personally identifiable information that could be used for doxxing or that contained payment information, such as bank account or credit card numbers.

Google To Allow Users To Request Removal Of Contact Info

Now, Google says users will be able to request the removal of contact information, including phone numbers, e-mail addresses 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,” Google says.

Google says that after receiving a content removal request, it will evaluate all of the content on the requested website to make sure it is not “limiting the availability of other information that is broadly useful.”

The tech giant will also check before removing any content to make sure it is not part of the public record on government websites or through official sources.

Google reiterated that removing content from its search engine won’t entirely remove it from the internet, recommending users contact a host site directly if possible if that is the ultimate goal.

In February, Google issued an emergency update to its Chrome web browser after discovering hackers had been taking advantage of a High-level Zero Day vulnerability.

Have you requested Google remove your personally identifiable information from its search engine? Let us know in the comments!

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