Safeguarding Personal IDs
Google has introduced significant enhancements to its 'Results about you' feature, providing users with more robust control over their personal information
appearing in search results. Previously limited to removing contact details like phone numbers and addresses, the updated tool now extends to highly sensitive government-issued identification numbers. This includes credentials such as driver's license numbers, passport details, and Social Security numbers. The process is initiated through the Google app on mobile devices. After accessing your profile by tapping your account photo and selecting 'Results about you,' you can input the specific personal contact information you wish to be monitored. For new users, this step involves confirming government ID details. Once verified, Google will actively scan search results for any mentions of your declared information and promptly alert you if such results are found. While this function is designed to enhance privacy by removing these details from public view on search, it's important to note that the original information remains on the internet. The rollout of this expanded feature is currently underway in the United States, with plans for wider international availability in the near future.
Tackling Explicit Imagery
Beyond safeguarding sensitive identification, Google has also refined its procedures for removing non-consensual explicit imagery from its search results. This update simplifies the process for individuals who find their intimate images being shared online without their consent. Users can now easily flag such content directly from the search results page. By clicking on the three-dot menu associated with an image, users can select the 'remove result' option and then specify 'It shows a sexual image of me.' This targeted approach allows for quick reporting. Furthermore, Google has introduced a streamlined form that enables users to request the removal of multiple unwanted explicit images simultaneously, reducing the burden on individuals seeking to reclaim their privacy from distressing online content. This dual focus on personal identification and explicit imagery underscores Google's commitment to providing users with greater agency over their digital footprint.
