It can be quite frightening to find personal information about yourself in a Google search, like a home address or phone number, but you can take proactive steps to protect your privacy. A couple of years ago, Google expanded the ways you can submit removal requests for search results containing personal info. While you previously had to meet a very high threshold for results containing sensitive data to be wiped, the process is now available for more people.
In addition to the removal of personal information, Google considers removal requests for images of minors, as well as deepfake pornography and other explicit content. Although getting results scrubbed from Google Search won’t remove web pages from the internet, it will divert a huge driver of traffic.
There’s no guarantee that unwanted search results will disappear completely, however. As a result of your request, the web page could be removed from all searches on Google, only searches involving your name, or none of the above. For more information about disappearing digitally and services like DeleteMe, check out WIRED’s tips on deleting yourself from the internet.
At the time of the announcement, Michelle Chang, Google’s global policy lead for search, wrote, “Open access to information is a key goal of Search, but so is empowering people with the tools they need to protect themselves and keep their sensitive, personally identifiable information private.” The new procedures can protect against malicious doxing, as well as other information leaks.
To begin the removal process, visit the topic’s support page, scroll halfway down, and click the blue Start Removal request button. From the listed options choose Content contains your personal information and your country, then click the Next button.
On the following page, you’ll be asked to specify what type of personal information is showing up in Google Search, such as your contact details or driver’s license info. Depending on the category, you may be asked to provide details about what exactly was leaked, like the last four digits of your social security number or bank account. The next question asks whether your request pertains to doxing, which Google defines as your personal details appearing next to “explicit or implicit threats against you.”
Google asks for the URL of the offending content or image, and you can submit up to 1,000 links at once. The company also wants you to share the search results where it shows up. For more directions on gathering these links, check out Google’s guide to finding content URLs, image URLs, and search results page URLs.
Attach a screenshot to your request showing where on the web page your personal info is appearing. Near the end of the form, you will be asked to share a list of relevant search terms that can be used to make the results appear in Google Search. Once you’ve added the search terms, press the Next button.
After that, Google requests your full name, country of residence, and email. You are only permitted to submit takedown requests for results pertaining to yourself or someone you have permission from. Fill out that information, then check the box confirming all of the information is accurate.
You should get a confirmation email from Google indicating that the removal request was received. It’s not clear how long it will take to review your case, but Google may let you know when it has decided to take action—or do nothing at all. The company promises to include brief explanations of any action it decides to take in response to your request.
