How to Ask Google to Remove Your Personal Information from Search Results
Introduction
The internet has made it possible for personal information to be shared and accessed by others. Your name, address, and contact information are just some examples of the data that can be displayed in search engine results. While this might be convenient for potential employers, clients, or friends to find you, there may be times when you want some information removed. This is where Google comes in.
Google is the world’s most popular search engine; it receives billions of search queries every day, and its algorithms determine which results are displayed for each search. However, it also gives users the ability to request information removal. This article will provide you with the steps to take to ask Google to remove your personal information from search results.
What Personal Information Can Be Removed
Google allows the removal of certain personal information from its search engine results pages (SERPs). This includes sensitive information, such as social security numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, images of signatures, and non-consensual explicit images. Other personal information, such as your name and address, can be removed under certain circumstances.
The Process to Request Removal
To request the removal of personal information, you must follow the following steps:
1. Identify the content you want to remove
2. Check if you meet the criteria for removal
3. Make a request to remove the content
To identify the content you want to remove, you should search for your name on Google. If the search results show information you want to remove, you should click on the specific link to see the page that contains the information. Once you’ve identified the page, check if you meet the criteria for removal. If you do, it’s time to submit a request to Google.
To make a request, you’ll need to complete Google’s removal request form. This form requires you to provide personal information, such as your full name, email address, and details of the content you want to remove. You’ll also need to provide a description of why you want the information removed. Google then reviews your request and decides whether or not to remove the content.
Examples of Successful Requests
In 2014, a Frenchman successfully argued to have Google remove search results linking to an article about his past bankruptcy. The man claimed it was no longer relevant, and the European Union’s Court of Justice agreed, citing the “right to be forgotten.”
Similarly, in 2018, an Australian man successfully had Google remove search engine results that linked to information about his role in a murder investigation. The man argued that the information was harming his reputation and that he had been cleared of any wrongdoing.
Conclusion
The internet has connected people from different parts of the world, allowing for easy access to information. However, sometimes this information can be personal and sensitive. Fortunately, Google allows individuals to have their personal information removed from search results under certain circumstances. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can request the removal of personal information from search engine results. Remember to be specific and provide as much detail as possible when filling out the request form.
