Ever thought about what Google shows when you search your contact info like your phone number or email? Many worry about their private data being out there for anyone to find. But, there is a way to remove your details from the search results.
Google now has a feature called "Results about you". It lets folks over 18 in certain areas delete their personal info from the search results.1 This is a major win for those wanting to keep their privacy and online reputation safe.1
This article will show you how to use Google's tool to control what info shows up. We'll cover finding your data, asking for removals, and checking on their status. By the end, you'll know how to safeguard your online image and keep your personal info away from prying eyes.
### Key Takeaways
- Google's "Results about you" lets you remove your own contact info from searches
- Even people under 18 can request removal by filling out a form
- Google might say yes to removing phone numbers, addresses, or emails
- When they say no, you'll understand why
- If someone else asks for your info to be removed, it might still stay off the search results
Understanding Google's Personal Information Removal Feature
Google allows users to ask for their personal info to be taken off its search results. This includes things like sensitive government ID numbers or financial details. It also covers medical records and contact info such as addresses and phone numbers.1
What Information Can Be Removed
You can ask Google to delete sensitive info like government ID numbers or bank details. They'll also remove things like medical histories and your contact details. This includes phone numbers, emails, and addresses.1
Limitations and Exceptions
But, Google won't delete things that are important for the Public to know. This includes info from schools, governments, newspapers, or other news sources.1 Also, info you shared yourself online, like on a blog or social media, won't be taken down.1
Google's feature to remove personal info isn't completely open. There are rules and exceptions.12
How to Remove Your Personal Information from Google Search Results
To search for yourself on Google, log into your Google account. Then, go to the "Results about you" page.1 Enter your name and any contact info you want to check. This can be phone numbers, emails, or home addresses. Google will look for these details in its results and let you know what it finds.
Reviewing Results with Your Personal Information
Google will show you any search results with your personal info. This happens on the "Results about you" page. You can see where on the web Google found your details and what they are.
Submitting a Removal Request
Don’t want certain search results shown? You can ask Google to take them down.1 On the "Results about you" page, pick the results you dislike. Then, give the contact info shown in those results. Google will check your request to decide if it should be removed.
Google now allows more removal requests for different types of content.3 This includes images of minors, deepfake porn, and explicit content.3 You can submit up to 1,000 links to be removed at once.3 Also, Google asks for keywords that trigger the content in search results.3
Taking your info off Google doesn't delete the web page. But, it does cut down the visitors to that page.3 There's no sure way to know if or where the results disappear.3 The new removal steps are meant to help against doxing and keeping private info safe.3
Google will let you know their decision and why they took that action.3
Monitoring and Managing Removal Requests
Users can check the status of their request to take down personal info on the "Results about you" page.4 Here, they find out if it's still in process, approved, or denied. They can also see more info like the page link, when they asked, the request ID, and how they can be reached.
Checking Request Status
On the "Results about you" page, users can follow their personal info removal requests.4 They find out if their request is still under review, if it's accepted, denied, or if they choose to undo. Knowing this keeps users up-to-date on the status of their requests.
Undoing a Removal Request
Sometimes, users might want to cancel a removal request. They can do this by choosing the "Undo" option on the "Results about you" page.4 But, just undoing doesn't mean the info will appear in searches again. Google might have taken down the same info from someone else's request in the meantime.
Policy Requirements for Removal Requests
Google's policy on removing personal data from search results aims to respect privacy. It does this while keeping important info accessible. It lets people ask to pull info like phone numbers or addresses that could harm them.5 It also allows taking down details that might be used for ID theft, such as logins.5
Yet, removal requests are reviewed to prevent wiping out helpful info from news or official sites.5 Note: Removing stuff from Google doesn't delete it fully. You might still have to reach out to the website hosting the content.5 There's a special rule for minors (those under 18) or their guardians. They can ask for any pic removal. This meets growing privacy needs.5
To get info out of Google, you must fit a certain profile. The details in the search must be about you and not under your control online. For instance, it can't be on your own site or social media.6 Important public info, like news or educational posts, won't be removed.6
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency of removal requests per month | 6 |
| Rate of successful removal requests | 6 |
| Percentage of users who opt for removal | 6 |
| Comparative analysis of requests by industry | 6 |
| Average response time for processing requests | 6 |
| Number of requests by industry/segment | 6 |
| Percentage of requests granted by Google | 6 |
| Distribution of requests by region | 6 |
| Trends in removal requests over time | 6 |
Google balances removing info with keeping public interest facts.5 If you want your info gone from Google, make sure you read and follow the guidelines. This boosts your chances of success.5
What Happens After Information is Removed
When Google agrees to remove personal info, that specific link disappears from searches. It doesn't matter what you search for, you won't find that link.1 But sometimes, it might still show for some searches, if Google thinks the info is important.
Effects on Search Results
After a removal request gets approved, searches may not show the link with that info.1 However, remember that the info is still out there on its original website.3
Removing Information from Source Websites
If you want the info completely gone, you must ask the website directly.3 This is key for erasing your data from the web and keeping it private.
How to Remove Your Personal Information from Google Search Results
To remove personal information from Google search results, follow these steps:
- Search your name on Google to see if any personal info shows up.1
- Click the three dots next to the result and choose "Remove this result."3
- Select the reason why you want the info taken down, like "It shows my personal contact info."1
- Look over the request, sign into Google, and send it in.1
- Google will check your request and tell you what they decide. You can see the decision on the "Results about you" page.1
Some tools for removing personal contact info from Google are available for adults in some places.1 If Google finds your contact details in search results, they might send you an email about it.1
Google might take away what doesn't belong, like phone numbers or addresses. It's important that the info they find is really personal.1
But, sometimes, your request might not get approved.1 If Google says no, you can try to reach out to the website owner directly.1 You can also ask Google to take down stuff for other people, but they might not say yes.1
Once you ask Google to delete something, it might not come back, even if you change your mind.1 If your private info is hidden by a paywall, you can still ask Google to remove it.1 They will only take down what shouldn't be there according to their rules.1
A while back, Google made it easier for more folks to ask for removals.3 They might delete things like bad pictures of kids or fake videos.3 But, there's no sure way to make everything you hate disappear from Google searches.3 They might clear all searches, some, or none at all.3
When you complain to Google, give them the web link to what you're mad about. You can even complain about lots of links at once.3 After you complain, Google might tell you if they did something. They'll say a bit about what they did or why they didn't do anything.3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnVlAfQCRO0
Dealing with Denied Removal Requests
Google's tool to remove personal info is great for online privacy. But, sometimes our requests to delete info are denied. This happens when the info is important for everyone to know. For example, if it's from a government or news site. Or if we can control it, like our personal websites or social media profiles.7
Common Reasons for Denial
There are many reasons why Google might not erase personal data. If the information helps the general public, they usually won't delete it. This could be material from government or news sources. Or if it's something we post ourselves online.7 If our request is refused, Google will tell us why. This lets us understand their decision.1
Removing Other Types of Personal Information
Google allows the removal of not just contact details but also sensitive personal info. This includes things like non-consensual explicit or intimate photos (revenge porn) or fake pornography. This fake pornography digitally places one person's face on another's body, making it look like they're in a sexual image.3
Explicit or Intimate Images
If someone's intimate or explicit images are online without their consent, they can ask Google to take them down. This includes images used for revenge porn or fake pornography. It's part of Google's effort to combat these harmful practices.3
Identification Documents and Records
Google allows the removal of images showing off personal documents, like driver's licenses or passports. Also, if personal records, like medical histories, are mistakenly online, people can get those taken down too. This is meant to prevent identity theft or the sharing of private info with the public.3
Legal Removal Requests
If users need to take down info from Google for legal reasons, they can make a legal removal request.8 This means they must show Google the right legal papers and proof.8
Google's Legal Removal Request system asks for a court order to delete harmful content from search results.8 But, taking out legal case articles can be tricky. It often needs help managing your online image.8
Trying to get rid of legal records, like through expungement, depends on a few things. It looks at where you are and how long ago the case was.8 Do activities like guest posts to make your brand more popular. This can help move legal stuff lower in search results.8
Numbers show that the amounts of legal removal requests sent to Google and the success rates go up and down.6 How long Google takes to handle these requests is another thing to think about.6 Knowing what kinds of private info people mostly want removed and how well this protects their privacy is also key.6
Google can delete personal details upon request, but they check each case closely.9 You can ask for things like contacts, ID numbers, money info, signatures, and secret logins to be taken off.9 If it's about something like bad reviews or using your work without permission, you can follow your local laws to request removal.9
Submitting Requests on Behalf of Others
Users can request to remove personal information from Google. They do this on the "Results about you" page. But, they can also submit requests for other people.1 This is through a detailed removal request form. This way, they can help out family, friends, or people who can't do it themselves.
This feature helps keep loved ones' private info safe. It removes details like phone numbers and addresses from Google searches.1 It's very helpful for minors or someone who can't do this alone.
To help someone else, users need some key info. They need the other person's details and their reason for the request.1 Google will check and tell the user the result. This helps users follow up on the removal request.
Even if the request is for someone else, it must follow the same rules as personal requests.1 Google will look at the request based on set criteria. Sometimes, they might not remove the info if it's important for everyone to know.
This method lets users be proactive. They can protect their family and friends online.1 It stops personal info from being easily found on Google.
Protecting Your Online Privacy
Using Google's tool for personal info removal is a good start for online privacy. But, there are more steps to take. Always be careful about sharing things online.
Keep an eye on where your information is online. And try to use tools and settings that help keep your privacy safe.
It's important to not share too much on social media and other online places. Check your name and info now and then to see what's out there.
Also, using VPNs can keep your internet use private. This hides who you are from Google and others.
Seeing your info on a website you didn't put it on isn't good. You can ask the site's owner to take it down. Find their contact info and reach out to them.
Google's tools help, but online privacy needs more than that. Take active steps to keep your data off the web. By following these tips and talking to website owners, you can protect your personal info better.10
Conclusion
Google's personal information removal feature is a great tool. It helps users take off their private details like phone numbers and addresses from search results.11 Following the steps lets users check their online info and ask for removal. This protects their privacy and security.11 But, erasing personal info completely online is not certain. It does lower its finding through Google.12
The ITRC advises keeping your personal details safe to prevent identity crimes.11 Taking your info off Google can lower the risk of falling into identity theft traps.11 To remove the info, a form needs to be filled. This form asks for some details to remove the data.11
Google being the top search engine worldwide, with 91% use, and 87% in the USA, shows its importance.12 It's key for people to control their online privacy and reputation.12 Acting on their search results removes risky details. This guards them from identity theft and keeps their digital record positive.12
FAQ
What information can be removed from Google search results?
Google lets people request the removal of their private details from search results. This includes phone numbers, emails, and home addresses. You can also ask to remove sensitive items like government IDs, bank info, and personal photos.
What are the limitations and exceptions for removing information from Google?
Some info won't be taken down if it's important for the public. This is true for educational, governmental, and news-related content. Google also does not delete personal posts you've made online.
How can I find results about myself on Google?
To see what Google shows about you, log in and go to the "Results about you" page. Type your name and any contact info you want to check. Google will look and tell you if it finds anything.
How do I submit a request to remove my personal information from Google search results?
See something you want removed? Log into your account and find "Results about you." Then, pick what you want gone and give the info. Google will check if it can be deleted.
How can I monitor the status of my personal information removal requests on Google?
Keep an eye on your deletions on the "Results about you" page. You can see if it's being processed, approved, or denied. Details about your request, like the website and when you asked, will be there too.
What are the policy requirements for Google to approve a personal information removal request?
For Google to say yes, the info must be yours and you can't control it. Also, the data can't be vital public knowledge, like from schools or news sites.
What happens when Google approves a personal information removal request?
If Google says okay, that info won't show in most searches. Sometimes, it might still show in very specific searches, but not common ones.
What should I do if Google denies my personal information removal request?
Google might say no if the info is important for everyone to know or if you can delete it yourself. You'll be told why it wasn't accepted.
Can I remove other types of sensitive personal information from Google search results?
Yes, you can ask to remove more than just contact details. This includes harmful images and serious personal reports like medical info.
Can I submit a legal removal request to Google?
You can ask to delete things based on the law. This means you'll need to provide proof and legal documents along with your request.
Can I submit removal requests on behalf of others?
You can help others by filling out Google's request form. This is for when you want to remove information about someone else, like family or friends.
What other steps can I take to protect my online privacy?
It's wise not to share sensitive details online. Also, you should check what info about you is out there. Use privacy tools and settings and ask websites to take down your data.
Source Links
- https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/12719076?hl=en
- https://time.com/6173811/remove-personal-information-google-search/
- https://www.wired.com/story/remove-personal-info-from-google-search-results/
- https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/24/how-to-scrub-personal-information-from-google-search.html
- https://blog.google/products/search/new-options-for-removing-your-personally-identifiable-information-from-search/
- https://support.google.com/websearch/contact/content_removal_form?hl=en
- https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/9673730?hl=en
- https://thriveagency.com/news/how-to-remove-legal-records-from-google-search-results/
- https://nordvpn.com/blog/how-to-remove-personal-information-from-google/
- https://allaboutcookies.org/remove-your-personal-information-from-google
- https://www.idtheftcenter.org/post/how-to-remove-your-personal-information-from-google-search-results/
- https://reputationup.com/how-to-remove-google-search-results/