In what has been a long ‘battle’ for nearly over a decade and hundreds of thousands of requests, Google is finally making it easier for users to have their personal information removed from search results. This means when someone searches for your personal data (e.g., phone number, email address, etc), they won’t be able to find it because it won’t show up in the search results.
The update was communicated via Google’s new options for removing personally identifiable information from Search. Which was then followed up by a new Search tool to help control your online presence. This tool allows users to easily request the removal of their personal data from Search results.
With just a few clicks, you can get your information removed for whatever reason. To ensure proper processing, all removal requests are evaluated via algorithmic tools and human monitoring of the requests. However, not every request is guaranteed approval. The reason for this could be that Google finds such personal information newsworthy, it is in a relevant news article, or it is included on a government website.
How to Request Removal
Currently, you can fill out the online form (see what type of information and FAQs) to remove personally identifiable information (PII) from Google Search results.
In the coming months, Google users will be able to request the removal of results containing their contact details via the Google app and on individual search results.
Soon, a new tool will let you more easily request the removal of Google Search results containing your contact details — such as your home address, phone number and email address. This feature will be available in the Google app and on individual Google Search results. #GoogleIO pic.twitter.com/aoMyLmVdpo
— Google (@Google) May 11, 2022
One limitation is however that Google cannot remove your personal data entirely from the internet. You will have to contact websites hosting your personal data directly to request its removal.
