Have you ever typed your name on google, to come across details that you would have preferred to keep secret? Good news, it is possible to erase these unwanted traces.
When you come across your own data on Google, the concern is real. Finding out your address or contact details online is never pleasant. Beyond just exposure, this creates an opening for scammers and increases the risk of identity theft.
But rest assured, it is indeed possible to delete this information from the platform. Google, aware of these threats, has introduced tools dedicated to protecting its users. One of these tools helps erase these embarrassing results. Find out step by step how to achieve this.
Why it's crucial to delete your online information
Imagine intimate information like your address, phone number or even your date of birth being available to the general public is terrifying. And it's not just a matter of privacy.
This data can be the gateway for malicious individuals. Indeed, they can be used for scams, identity theft or even harassment.
In a world where information is a currency, ensuring its confidentiality becomes an absolute necessity.
Google to help
Google wants to help you keep your personal information just for you. In 2022, they launched a tool called “ Results about you“. With this, you can find your information like your phone, address or email and remove it from Google.
In addition, if a site talks about you without you wanting it, you can tell Google to hide this site.
In 2023, Google made “Results about you” even better:
- You can see when your info shows up on Google.
- Google alerts you if someone finds your information while searching.
How to use Results on you?
To use Results on You, you must have a Google account. If you don't have a Google account, you can create one.
Here are the steps to delete your data from Results About You:
- First, open Google in your browser.
- Then search for your name and other personal details.
- Find the unwanted result, click on the three points next to the result you want to delete.
- Then in the context menu More options, select Delete Result.
- Indicate the reason for deletion.
- Finally, follow the instructions and submit your request.
Here are some examples of reasons why you can request removal of a result:
- The result is inaccurate or incomplete.
- The result is obsolete or stale.
- The result is offensive or harmful.
- The result is related to illegal or fraudulent activity.
- The result is related to a data breach incident.
Google will review your request and notify you of its decision. It may take a few days and there is no guarantee that your application will be approved.
What there is to know
The tool has its limits. Here are some points to consider:
- It clears the Google results, but not the original entry. For complete removal, contact the site owner.
- Currently, the tool is only available in English and in the USA. However, a VPN can bypass this restriction.
- Each request is evaluated by Google. If the site complies with Google's privacy policy, deletion may be refused.
Conclusion
Admittedly, Google's efforts are making good progress. They give more power to us, the users, over our information.
Of course, the tool is not 100% perfect, but frankly, it's not bad.
Our little advice? Use it to keep your information well hidden. And then, don't forget: there are others simple things to do to protect everything that is personal on the net.