Google has announced that users will be able to request that other categories of information, including personal contact information such as phone numbers, emails, and physical addresses, be deleted from search results.
Other information that may constitute a danger of identity theft, such as confidential log-in passwords, can also be removed under the new policy.
“Open access to information is critical,” Google said in a statement, “but so is empowering people with the tools they need to protect themselves and keep their sensitive, personally identifiable information private.”
It said, “Privacy and online safety go hand in hand. And when you’re using the internet, it’s important to control how your sensitive, personally identifiable information can be found.”
Previously, Google Search allowed users to request that highly personal information that could cause direct harm to be removed. This includes information that has been released as a result of doxxing and bank account or credit card numbers that might be used for fraud.
“It’s important to remember that removing content from Google Search won’t remove it from the internet, so you may wish to contact the hosting site directly if you’re comfortable doing so,” it said.
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