Google has announced a Search update that aims to make it easier for people to remove credentials (such as physical addresses, phone numbers, emails) that appear in search results without permission.
“Finding personal contact information online can be irritating and can be used in harmful ways, including unwanted direct contact and even physical harm,” the company said in a statement. They gave feedback that they wanted to remove it from the website.”
The new features are an extension of Google’s longstanding EU-driven Right to Be Forgotten policies that allow removal of information (such as criminal convictions) under certain circumstances. If someone, for example a teenager, gets involved in a newsworthy event, that story may follow them for the rest of their lives because of people searching for them on Google. Recent changes by Google are in some ways clearer, such as releasing personal, identifying information without the consent of a third party.
Google also recently released a policy that allows anyone under the age of 18 to remove their images from Google Search results.
While it cannot be argued that cataloging the entire web is a valuable service, as the SEO industry strives to make search a science, the scale of the Google Search process means that from time to time inaccurate information will be presented, and this is the case for unauthorized personal information. definite.
We can safely say that Google’s changes are a positive step towards helping people regain some privacy.
“Maximizing access to information while keeping people in control of their sensitive, personally identifiable information is a critical balance,” says Google. We believe it’s an important step towards providing the tools they need.”
4113
