Google Search is making a policy change, allowing users to request the removal of more personally identifiable info from the search engine. The company’s list of personally identifiable information now includes physical addresses, email, or phone numbers.
The existing list of personally identifiable information mentions government identification or ID numbers in countries like the U.S. (Social Security Number), Argentina, Brazil, South Korea, and China. It now covers bank account or credit card numbers, login credentials, photos of handwritten signatures or ID cards, etc.
“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. And people have given us feedback that they would like the ability to remove this type of information from Search in some cases,” Google said (via 9to5Google).
Google offers a guide on removing personally identifiable information from Search
When a user requests the removal of their personal data from Google Search, the company will ensure the URL won’t appear on a search query.
“This is typical for content related to confidential IDs, bank accounts, credit card numbers, and similar information,” Google clarified. There’s a second scenario for removal requests with the URL not appearing “for a search query that contains your name, or other such identifier.”
Google offers a detailed guide on removing PII (personally identifiable information) or doxxing content from Search on its page here. Users can also initiate data removal requests from the same page.
Google Search has a lot of clout, considering that it’s one of the most popular search engines around. Keeping this in mind, the company’s decision to expand the scope of what information can be removed is indeed welcoming.
In related news, Google Search introduced a new personal results feature last year, allowing customers to have their queries autocompleted. Search also began offering results based on the user’s Google account information.
The second feature is understandably creepy, considering Big Tech’s years of data misuse. All the users have to do is type “my calendar” or “directions home,” and Search will do the rest. Furthermore, Search would also offer recommendations for restaurants and interesting places based on your Google account.
2022-04-29 15:06:30