Google is taking yet another step toward removing customers’ data from online searches.
According to CBS News, the internet giant has begun allowing customers to request that their phone numbers, physical addresses, and email addresses be deleted from search results.
People under the age of 18, or their parent or guardian, can request that their images be removed from Google search results, according to the “Today” show.
Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, signatures, and medical details were previously allowed to be removed by Google.
Consumers lost $5.8 billion in scams last year, according to the Federal Trade Commission, which is 70% more than in 2020.
According to CBS News, the majority of the scams are conducted online, but others include telephone solicitations and identity theft.
So, where do you begin the process of having your data deleted from search results?
First, visit Google’s page that is set up for personal information removal. Then follow the steps, selecting the appropriate selections for your request.
According to PCMag, the form allows you to enter up to 1,000 URLs.Once you’ve completed the form and submitted it, you’ll receive an automated email confirming your request.
You may receive extra information in the form of follow-up emails. “Today” claimed that once everything is processed, you’ll be notified whether any action is done.
You could be denied your request.
Google stated that it will “review all content on the web page” to ensure that it is not “restricting the availability of other information that is broadly helpful, such as news items.”
According to “Today,” the information will not be erased if it is a subject of public records on government or official sources.
Keep in mind that the data will remain on the hosting website’s servers; it will merely not appear in Google searches if the request is granted, according to PCMag.