Google Now Lets You Remove Contact Details From Search To Avoid Identity Theft

How often have you heard the phrase “google me”? Well, as it stands, identifiable information can be so easily accessed with a simple search, strangers could obtain email addresses, contact numbers, or even home addresses in just seconds, leaving users susceptible to robocall registrations or even identity theft.

Realizing this could pose a safety threat to users all over the globe, Google is now accepting requests for sensitive information, especially details that are personally identifiable, to be deleted from search results. 

According to a blog post, the technology giant reiterated that while “open access to information” was the key function of its search, it wanted to empower users with “the tools they need to protect themselves and keep their sensitive, personally identifiable information private.” 

Previously, users were already able to request the removal of information such as bank account details, credit card numbers, and other information that could be used for financial fraud. 

Now, however, the policy will expand to include other personal information including contact details, login credentials, or any identifying addresses.  

It’s important to note that while Google will try to adhere to requests, it will not be removing information that is part of the public record on government or official sites. 

Plus, just because they’ve been removed from search results, it doesn’t mean identifiable details will be completely erased, and you’ll have to contact the hosting site directly to purge all the details.

The next time you tell a coworker to google you, you might be assured that no sensitive information will expose more than you want them to know. 

[via Laptop Mag and Google, cover image via Proxima Studio / Shutterstock.com]