In recognition of Safer Internet Day, Google has announced updates to its privacy tools, “Results about you” and its non-consensual explicit image removal features.
The “Results about you” tool, which already lets users request the removal of Search results containing their phone number, email, or home address, is expanding. Users can now also request removal for search results that include sensitive government identification details, such as a driver’s license, passport, or Social Security number.
To use the tool in the Google app, tap your Google account photo and select “Results about you.” First-time users will click “Get started” and add the personal contact information they wish to monitor. They will then be prompted to add their government ID numbers. Existing users can simply add these new ID numbers and select which ones to monitor.
After confirming your details, Google will automatically monitor Search results and send notifications if it finds your information. It is important to note that removing information from Google Search does not delete it from the internet entirely, but it does help keep your information more private.
This update is rolling out in the United States over the coming days, with plans to expand to additional regions in the future.
Google also announced improvements to the process for requesting removal of non-consensual explicit images from Search. Now, users can click the three dots on an image, select “remove result,” and then choose “It shows a sexual image of me.” Furthermore, you no longer need to report images individually. A new single form allows you to select and submit requests for multiple images from Search results at once. Users can track the status of all these requests in one place within the “Results about you” hub.
Google stated that while removing existing content is crucial, it is only part of the solution. For added protection, the new process includes an option to opt-in to safeguards that will proactively filter out any similar explicit results that might appear in future searches.