Google has introduced several updates to its Search platform to give users more control over their personal information in search results. Last year, they released a tool to help people remove search results containing sensitive details like phone numbers, home addresses, and emails. Now, the “results about you” tool has been enhanced to be more effective.
A new dashboard will soon be available to alert users when their personal information appears in search results. Upon receiving an alert, users can easily request Google to remove those specific results.
Additionally, earlier this year, Google introduced a Google One feature that scans the dark web to check if a user’s information has been compromised in a data breach. This new “results about you” update works similarly, proactively finding and helping users remove search results containing their personal data, thus enhancing privacy protection.
To access the tool, users can tap their profile photo on the Google app and select “results about you,” or use a dedicated webpage set up by the company. Currently available in the US in English, Google plans to expand the tool to other languages and regions soon.
Furthermore, Google is expanding its system to help users take down explicit photos of themselves. Previously, users could request the removal of non-consensual explicit images from search results. Now, Google is extending this policy to include consensual imagery as well. If users have uploaded explicit content of themselves to a website but no longer wish it to be available, they can ask Google to remove it from search results if it has been published elsewhere without their permission. However, this policy does not apply to any content that is still being commercialized.
It’s worth noting that removing explicit content from Google Search results won’t completely erase it from the web, but it will make it harder for people to find. Users can access more information on requesting removals from the Google help center.
In addition to these updates, Google is rolling out changes to parental controls and SafeSearch. Explicit imagery in search results will now be blurred by default, allowing users to turn off SafeSearch blurring in their settings unless it has been locked by a school network admin or a guardian.
Lastly, accessing parental controls from Search will be made easier. Users can simply search for terms like “google parental controls” or “google family link” to find an information box explaining how to adjust the settings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about privacy
What updates did Google announce for Search?
Google announced updates to its Search platform to make it easier for users to control their private information and remove unwanted search results. They introduced a new dashboard that alerts users when their personal information appears in search results and allows them to request its removal.
How can I access the “results about you” tool?
To access the “results about you” tool, you can tap your profile photo on the Google app and select “results about you,” or visit the dedicated webpage set up by Google.
What does the “results about you” update do for explicit photos?
The “results about you” update extends the option to request the removal of explicit photos from search results to include consensual imagery. If you have uploaded explicit content of yourself to a website and no longer want it available, you can ask Google to remove it from search results if it was published elsewhere without your permission.
Will removing explicit content from Google Search erase it from the web entirely?
No, removing explicit content from Google Search results won’t completely erase it from the web. However, it will make it more challenging for people to find.
How does Google enhance parental controls in Search?
Google is rolling out updates to SafeSearch, which will now blur explicit imagery in search results by default. Users can turn off SafeSearch blurring in their settings unless it has been locked by a school network admin or a guardian. Additionally, accessing parental controls will be made easier through relevant search queries.
Is the “results about you” tool available worldwide?
Currently, the “results about you” tool is available in the US in English. However, Google plans to offer the tool in other languages and regions soon.
More about privacy
- Google Blog – Making it easier to control your privacy on Google Search
- The Verge – Google’s Search update lets you remove private info from results
- TechCrunch – Google Search gets updates for privacy and parental controls
- CNET – How to remove private information from Google Search
- Google Support – Remove information from Google
5 comments
privacy is impor’ant! google is doin’ a solid by helpin’ us protect our personal deets. hope it expands worldwide soon!
wow, i didn’t know about that “results abt u” thing. sounds handy! def gonna check it out on google app soon.
google is really tryin’ hard to give people more control over their personal info & stuff in their search results. they got new tools to remove phone nums, emails, & home addresses. dat’s cool!
i’ve seen some sketchy stuff in search results b4. glad google’s makin’ it easier to control info ’bout ourselves. meow!
gud move by google 4 helpin’ ppl remove explicit pics & protect their privacy. we all need dat online safety!