In the age of the Internet, the concept of personal privacy is essentially a fantasy. Just a few clicks, virtually anybody can obtain your home address, phone number, email address, age, and family names. Because this information is publicly available, we are all vulnerable to being victims of fraud, stalking, and assault.
Our information was uploaded to the Internet without our consent, which makes the matter even worse.
You may now delete your personal information from Google’s search results
Google has just announced a significant shift that provides us all more control over our personal information. The firm said on April 27 that it will allow users to request removal of their personal information from its Search function.
“Open access to information is a primary objective of Search, but so is providing individuals with the tools they need to protect themselves and keep their sensitive, personally identifiable information private. Google’s Global Policy Head for Search, Michelle Chang, revealed on the firm’s blog that the business is revising its rules to let consumers take greater control over their online appearance in Search.
Chang stated, “Since the Internet is always developing, with information appearing in unexpected locations and being utilized in novel ways, our policies and safeguards must also adapt.”
You may now modify your Google search results to exclude personal details about yourself.
Also, the new policy permits anyone to request the removal of personal information in Search that might be used for financial fraud, such as login passwords or account numbers.
Although Google’s new policy is a positive development, it does not completely solve the problem. “It’s crucial to understand that deleting information from Google Search will not remove it off the internet,” Chang said. “If you’re comfortable doing so, you may decide to contact the hosting site directly.”
Would you wish to have any personal information that appears in Google Search removed? Visit the topic’s support page and click the “Start removal request” link further down the page. You will be able to choose the personal information that appears in Search and will be prompted to provide a list of relevant search phrases, such as your full name, maiden name, and nickname, as you proceed through the steps. You will also be able to give other information prior to submitting the request.
After submitting your request, Google should send you an email verifying that it was received. Unknown is the duration of the elimination procedure.
Google’s recent policy modifications coincide with an increase in online fraud. The Federal Trade Commission estimated that consumers lost $5.8 billion to con artists in 2021, a 70 percent increase from the previous year.
Online scams, along with identity theft and telephone solicitations, account for a significant amount of fraud.
In an effort to give the FTC greater ability to combat fraud, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, head of the Commerce Committee, will submit legislation this week that would make it simpler for the Committee to sue misleading businesses and con artists.
“Millions of consumers and small companies who have been defrauded, swindled, or locked out of competitive marketplaces will never be made whole if the FTC continues to lack this essential jurisdiction,” Cantwell said in a statement.