New Google tool makes removing personal information easier

While Google has steadily strengthened its privacy and security stance, many users may not have noticed the gradual rollout of new privacy resources. Now Google is making it easier than ever to take control of your personal information online.

Originally launched in 2022, the "Results About You" tool helps you find and request the removal of your personal information from Google Search results. However, the tool was previously hard to find within both the web interface and mobile app. With the latest redesign, Google has made this feature more visible, accessible and better integrated into its ecosystem.

Google's recent updates focus on two main areas: improved accessibility and enhanced monitoring options.

Previously, the removal tool was buried within Google's interface. Now, you can request removal of personal information directly from the three-dot menu next to any search result. Here's how:

Note: Removal from Google Search does not remove the information from the original website. You may need to contact the website owner for complete removal.

With "Results about you," you can set up alerts to let you know if information about you shows up on the internet. You can choose to have notifications sent to your email or as an alert through the Google app. To access Google's "Results About You" directly, you can follow the steps below.

In the Google app:

On mobile or desktop web browser:

In the "Confirm the details" dialogue:

Privacy note: While giving another tech company your personal information seems counterintuitive, Google states that the information you provide for this tool will not be used to personalize your experience or for advertising purposes. However, always review Google's privacy policy for the latest details.

While Google's tool is a powerful starting point, it only affects what appears in Google Search. For broader removal, especially from data broker sites, you might consider investing in a personal data removal service, which contacts data brokers on your behalf to request removal of your personal information. 

Google has made it easier and more visible to manage your personal information in search results, with better accessibility and monitoring. However, true removal of your information from the internet may require contacting website owners or using third-party data removal services. As privacy threats like identity theft and scams grow, using these tools is an important step in protecting yourself online.

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