Google is taking steps to provide users with more control over their personal information and online experience with the launch of updated tools and policies.
Last year, the tech giant unveiled the “Results about you” tool, allowing users to request the removal of search results containing personal contact information.
Now, Google has significantly improved this tool, making it easier for users to keep track of their personal data in Search and request its removal.
With the new dashboard rolling out in the coming days, users will receive notifications if web results with their contact information appear in Google Search.
They can then swiftly request the removal of these results directly within the tool.
Additionally, Google will promptly alert users whenever new results containing their contact information emerge on the web, providing added peace of mind.
Accessing the tool is simple; users can find it in the Google app by clicking on their Google account photo and selecting “Results about you.”
Alternatively, they can visit goo.gle/resultsaboutyou. Initially available in the U.S. in English, Google aims to extend the tool’s availability to new languages and locations soon.
Ensuring a safer online environment for families, Google is introducing a new SafeSearch blurring setting.
By default, explicit imagery, including adult or graphic violent content, will now be blurred in search results. This safeguard will be rolled out to all users globally this month, with the option to turn it off, unless restricted by a guardian or school network administrator.
To assist users in finding parental controls more easily, Google has improved Search results for queries like “google parental controls” or “google family link,” displaying a box with relevant information on managing parental controls.
In regard to explicit images, Google is enhancing its policies to empower users to remove non-consensual explicit imagery from Search.
Moreover, users can now request the removal of their personal explicit images that they no longer wish to be visible in Search, provided they previously created and uploaded the content and subsequently deleted it. This policy does not apply to content currently being commercialized.
Google has also updated and simplified the forms for content removal requests, covering personal information, explicit imagery, and other types of removal requests.
While removing content from Google Search does not erase it from the web or other search engines, these changes are aimed at giving users greater control over their private information appearing in Google Search.
Google acknowledges the importance of user safety and privacy and is continuously working to enhance tools and policies to make Search a safer and more secure experience.
