This Wednesday (27), Google announces new options to remove personal information from search engine. From now on, platform users may request to withdraw information such as: physical address, phone number, passwords and even certain URLs that serve personal data.
Until then, users can request that any leaked data such as bank account or credit card numbers be removed. The new options allow you to request removal of personal data and confidential login information displayed in search, as outlined above.
“Open access to information is a core purpose of search, as is empowering people with the tools they need to protect themselves and keep their confidential and personally identifiable information confidential. That’s why we’re updating our policies to help people have more control over their online presence in Search,” Google announced in an official statement.
Information that can be removed from Google
After receiving takedown requests, Google will evaluate the content to ensure users’ safety and not limit the availability of other important information. It is important to note that the removal of the content will only occur in the Google search engine, that is, the data will not be removed from the Internet. Check what data can be removed:
- Confidential government identification numbers, such as a US social security number, a unique Argentine tax identification number, Brazilian CPF numberetc;
- Bank account numbers;
- credit card numbers;
- Images of handwritten signatures;
- Images of identity documents;
- Highly personal, restricted, and official records such as medical records (used to read “Confidential Personal Medical Records”);
- Personal contact information (physical addresses, phone numbers and email addresses);
- Hidden login credentials.
“We will also assess whether the content appears on government websites or from official sources as part of public records. In these cases, we will not move,” he said.
Google’s goal is to protect users and reduce the possibility of harmful use of personal information by third parties. As explained by the company, user feedback also helped launch the update.
Source: Tec Mundo
