To ask Google to remove your personal information, such as your contact details or private content, from search results, follow these steps:
1. Understand What Google Can Remove
Google generally removes sensitive personal information that poses a risk, such as:
- Social Security numbers, credit card details, or bank account numbers.
- Images of signatures or ID documents.
- Confidential, personal information like medical records.
- Non-consensual explicit images.
- Doxxing content (personally identifiable information meant to harm you).
However, they may not remove all types of personal information, such as public records or news articles unless specific criteria are met.
2. Submit a Removal Request
To request removal, follow these steps:
- Go to Google’s Content Removal Tool: Visit the official Google Personal Information Removal Form at https://support.google.com/websearch/contact/content_removal_form.
- Choose the Appropriate Option: Indicate what kind of information you’re asking to be removed (e.g., financial information, explicit images, doxxing).
- Fill Out the Form: Provide URLs where the personal information is located. Include all relevant details and explanations for why the content violates Google’s policies.
- Submit the Request: After you’ve filled out the necessary details, submit the form. Google will review the request and either remove the content from search results or provide a reason why it doesn’t meet their removal criteria.
3. Track Your Request
Google may follow up via email. They’ll notify you if they need more information or if the request has been approved or denied.
4. Other Options
If Google doesn’t remove your personal information:
- Contact the Site Owner: If the information remains on the original website, reach out directly to the site owner to request removal or redaction. Google’s search results simply index publicly available content.
- Online Reputation Management: You can also look into online reputation management companies that offer services to remove personal information from the internet, and/or educate yourself on some Do It Yourself reputation management and content removal solutions.
- Use Legal Means: In extreme cases, consult a legal professional, especially for defamatory or harmful content that violates the law.
FAQ
Q: Can I remove all personal information from Google?
A: No. Google only removes specific types of sensitive information, such as financial details, non-consensual explicit content, or content used for doxxing. Public records, journalistic content, or information related to a legitimate public interest might not be eligible for removal.
Q: How long does Google take to remove content?
A: It varies, but Google typically responds within a few days to a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the request.
Q: Can I remove search results globally?
A: Google may remove information from search results in specific countries, depending on the privacy laws of the region. Global removal is less common and depends on the type of request.
This process can help ensure your sensitive personal information stays protected online.