Google has been offering the ability to remove certain search results that contain personal information for a few years now, and the company has simplified that tool once again.
I often amuse myself by searching for my name on Google to see what results people see when they search for me. And I don’t know if you’ve ever wanted to remove certain results from the web. While Google used to just let you de-index certain pages, it’s now made the process easier. Now, with just a few clicks, you can “take control of your results” and exercise your right to be forgotten, as Ars Technica points out.
Monitor your personal information on Google in a convenient way!
Google has just updated its “Results about you” tool. As a reminder, this tool was specifically designed to help you track and manage the presence of your personal information in search results.
Now, this tool actively scans the web for sensitive data and alerts you as soon as it detects any. With this update, you will therefore have the possibility to ask Google to delete this information. In addition, it is also possible to contact the site that hosts them directly.
To make this kind of process easier, you should know that Google has also redesigned the interface. It now makes it easier to register for alerts and manage deletion requests.
This update is primarily intended to provide more transparency. In addition, it also responds to the requests of users concerned about their privacy.
How to remove your information from Google Search?
Google has also improved its process for removing search results that include personal information.
— The first thing to do when you spot a result that contains your personal information is to click on the three dots next to the link.
— A menu will appear with details about the page. After that, you will also find a button “Delete result”. As soon as you click on the button, you will be able to choose the reason for your request.
— A window will then ask you: “Why do you want to delete this result?” Among the options offered, you can select “My personal information is indicated there, which I do not want”.
Please note that it is possible to specify the type of information concerned (contact details, identity document number, financial information, etc.).
Each selection triggers a removal request from Google. The company says:
“We review all removal requests to see if the results in question are covered by Google’s policies, and then we’ll get back to you with our decision.”
Note that deleting a result on Google does not delete the original site. However, most online directories also offer options to remove your information. This data is increasingly being exploited in scams.
Finally, through this three-dot menu, you can also report illegal content, such as phishing, threats of violence, or explicit content. It even allows you to refresh outdated results.