Google has expanded its options for protecting personal information from online searches.
On Friday, the company announced that users will be able to request that more types of content, such as personal contact information such as phone numbers, email addresses, and physical addresses, be removed from search results.
Other information that may pose a risk for identity theft, such as confidential log-in credentials, can also be removed under the new policy.
According to the company, “open access to information is critical, but so is providing people with the tools they need to protect themselves and keep sensitive, personally identifiable information private.”
“Privacy and online safety are inextricably linked.” “It’s also important to have control over how your sensitive, personally identifiable information can be found when you’re using the internet,” it said.
Google Search previously allowed users to request that highly personal content that could cause immediate harm be removed. This includes information removed as a result of doxxing as well as personal information such as bank account or credit card numbers that could be used for fraud.
