News

Google’s Big Update: Now Remove Personal Info, Photos & Videos Easily—Here’s How!

Google’s latest update makes it easier to remove personal information, photos, and videos from search results using the "Results about you" tool. Users can track and request removals of sensitive data like phone numbers, emails, and home addresses. This guide explains step-by-step how to use the tool, what can and cannot be removed, and additional privacy protection tips. Learn how to safeguard your digital footprint with this new Google feature!

Published on
Google’s Big Update: Now Remove Personal Info, Photos & Videos Easily—Here’s How!
Google’s Big Update: Now Remove Personal Info, Photos & Videos Easily—Here’s How!

Google has just made a major update to its “Results about you” tool, making it easier than ever to remove personal information, photos, and videos from search results. This update is a game-changer for online privacy, allowing users to quickly flag and request the removal of sensitive personal details like home addresses, phone numbers, and images.

If you’re concerned about your privacy, online reputation, or data security, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Google’s latest update and how to use it effectively.

Google’s Big Update

FeatureDetails
Tool NameGoogle “Results about you”
PurposeRemove personal data, photos, and videos from search results
What Can Be Removed?Personal details (name, address, phone, email), explicit content, outdated data
Notification FeatureGoogle will notify users if their data appears in search results
Countries AvailableSelect countries, including India (expanding soon)
Official WebsiteGoogle Support – Remove Info

Google’s new update to the “Results about you” tool is a powerful step toward protecting online privacy. It allows users to quickly identify, track, and remove personal information from search results with just a few clicks. However, remember that removing data from Google Search doesn’t erase it from the internet. For complete protection, you must contact websites directly, adjust privacy settings, and use monitoring tools.

Stay proactive about your digital privacy! Use Google’s tool today and take control of your online presence.

Google’s Big Update: Why This Update Matters

With increasing concerns over identity theft, doxxing, and privacy breaches, Google’s new privacy-focused update empowers users to control their online presence better.

Previously, removing personal data from Google Search was a lengthy, complicated process that required filling out forms manually. Now, the new tool allows automatic tracking and removal requests with just a few clicks.

Who Benefits from This Update?

  1. Individuals worried about online safety
  2. Victims of cyberstalking or harassment
  3. Business professionals maintaining a clean reputation
  4. People who have changed phone numbers or addresses
  5. Anyone who wants more control over their personal information online

Google’s Big Update: How to Remove Personal Information from Google Search

Google’s improved “Results about you” tool makes removing personal information faster and more efficient. Follow these steps:

Access the “Results about you” Tool

  1. Go to Google’s official tool page (you must be logged into your Google account).
  2. Click on “Get started” to begin monitoring your personal information in search results.

Enter Your Personal Information

  1. Add details like your name, phone number, email, and home address.
  2. Google will scan its search index and notify you if your data appears in search results.
Receive Notifications
  1. Google will send alerts when it detects your personal data in search results.
  2. You can regularly review where and how your data appears online.
Request Removal of Specific Results
  1. If you receive a notification, click on the search result.
  2. Tap on the three-dot menu next to the result.
  3. Select “Remove this result” and specify why you want it removed.

Google’s Big Update: Choose the Right Removal Option

Google offers multiple removal categories:

  1. Personal information (addresses, phone numbers, email, etc.)
  2. Outdated content (incorrect or irrelevant information)
  3. Legal removal (for content violating privacy laws)
  4. Explicit or harmful content (revenge porn, fake images, etc.)

Track Your Removal Requests

  1. Google provides a dashboard to check the status of your removal requests.
  2. It may take a few days to weeks for Google to process and approve requests.

Google’s Big Update: What Happens After You Request Removal?

Once you submit a removal request:

  1. Google will review your request to ensure it meets their removal criteria.
  2. If approved, the search result will no longer appear in Google Search.
  3. However, the content still exists on the original website.
  4. To fully remove the information, contact the website owner and request deletion.

Limitations: What Google Can and Can’t Remove

What Google CAN Remove:

Personal contact details (phone, email, address)
Bank account & credit card numbers
Explicit or sexually exploitative images (without consent)
Deepfake AI-generated content of a person
Confidential government IDs (passport, SSN, Aadhaar)

What Google CAN’T Remove:

Content from government or official records
Public business information (company addresses, CEO names)
Information that is newsworthy or legally required
Personal data on social media platforms (must request through the platform)

Tip: If Google denies your request, you can appeal by submitting a reconsideration request through their official support page.

Google’s Big Update: Additional Ways to Protect Your Online Privacy

Beyond Google’s removal tool, here are extra steps to safeguard your online presence:

Adjust Privacy Settings on Social Media

  1. Make sure your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram profiles are private.
  2. Remove personal details such as phone numbers and email addresses from public profiles.

Use Google Alerts

  1. Set up Google Alerts to monitor your name online.
  2. This helps you stay updated when new information about you appears in search results.
Contact Website Owners Directly
  1. If your personal information is on a website, email the site administrator to request removal.
  2. Most websites provide a “Contact Us” or “Privacy Request” form.
Use a Reputation Management Service
  1. Services like Reputation Defender or Incogni help monitor and remove sensitive data from the web.

Google’s Big Update (FAQs)

How long does Google take to remove information from search results?

It depends on the type of request. Most removals take a few days to a few weeks to process.

Will Google remove my name from search results?

No, Google does not remove names unless linked to sensitive personal data. However, you can request removal of personal contact details.

Can I remove my information from other search engines like Bing and Yahoo?

Yes, Bing and Yahoo also offer removal tools. You need to submit a request separately for each search engine.

What if my removal request is denied?

If denied, Google will explain why. You can submit a revised request or appeal for reconsideration.

Does removing information from Google delete it from the internet?

No. It only removes it from Google Search, but the content remains on the original website. You must contact the website owner for complete removal.

Leave a Comment