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Google has expanded the options to keep personal information private from online searches.
The company said Friday it will allow people to request that more content such as phone numbers, personal contact information such as email and physical addresses be removed from search results.
The new policy also allows removal of other information that could pose a risk of identity theft, such as confidential login credentials.
Open access to information is vital, but it’s also vital to empower people with the tools they need to protect themselves and keep their sensitive, personally identifiable information private, the company said in a statement.
“Privacy and online security go hand in hand. And when you use the internet, it’s important to control how your sensitive, personally identifiable information can be found.”
Google Search previously allowed people to request removal of highly personal content that could cause direct harm. This includes information removed for doxxing and personal information such as bank account or credit card numbers that could be used for fraud.
But increased knowledge is popping up in unexpected places and being used in new ways, so policies need to evolve, the company said.
Having personal contact information openly available online can also pose a threat, and Google said it has also received requests for the option to remove that content.
It said that when it receives such requests, it will review all content on the web page to avoid limiting the availability of useful information or content in public records on government or other official websites.
“It’s important to note that removing content from Google Search will not remove it from the internet, so you may want to contact the hosting site directly if you’re comfortable with it,” he said.
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