In 2022, Google launched the “Results about you” tool to help people remove personal info from their search results. This tool is especially useful considering the billions of searches that happen daily on Google. With the tool, users can easily find and remove their private phone numbers and home addresses that may be indexed for public viewing. The update allows users to set up alerts for their email, home address, and phone number appearing on Google. To access the tool, users can log into their Google account on their browser or use the mobile app. After setting up alerts and providing personal information, users can choose to receive notifications through email or push notifications on their smartphones. It may take some time to receive scan results, but once they’re available, users can review and track the progress of their removal request. It’s important to note that while Google can remove search results, contacting the owner or hosting service of the webpage is necessary for complete data removal. Google’s “Results about you” tool is a step towards more user-friendly privacy controls, but for additional protection against online doxxing, users may consider paid services like DeleteMe. For those seeking even more online anonymity, WIRED offers tips for disappearing from the internet.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google launches “Results about you” tool | Personal info removal in search results | More streamlined removal process | Pressure for better privacy controls |
| Set up alerts for personal data on Google | Increased control over personal data | Expanded availability and languages | User demand for privacy and protection |
| Tool accessible through browser or mobile | Ease of access to personal info removal | Integration into various platforms | Convenience and user-friendly design |
| Request removal of various personal info | More comprehensive removal options | Enhanced removal capabilities | User concerns about online privacy |
| Streamlined removal process for privacy | Less burdensome privacy controls | Increased user autonomy | Addressing criticism of privacy features |
| Consider paid services for online privacy | Additional options for privacy protection | Broader range of services | Addressing concerns about doxxing |
| Tips for disappearing from the internet | Techniques for online anonymity | More advanced methods | Addressing user desire for anonymity |