Google expands sensitive data removal tools in Search

Google unveiled updates to its Results about you tool and non-consensual explicit image removal features on Tuesday as part of Safer Internet Day. The Results about you tool previously allowed users to request removal of search results containing their phone number, email address or home address. It now also supports requests to remove results that include a driver's license, passport or Social Security number, the company said. Users access the tool in the Google app by tapping their Google account photo and selecting Results about you. First-time users click Get started, add personal contact information and then add government ID numbers. Existing users can add their ID numbers and select which ones to monitor. Google automatically monitors search results and notifies users if it finds matching information. Removing the data from search does not remove it from the web entirely but can help keep information private, according to the company. The update is rolling out in the United States over the coming days, with plans to expand to additional regions. The company also made it easier to request removal of non-consensual explicit images. Users click the three dots on an image, select remove result and tap It shows a sexual image of me. Multiple images can now be submitted using a single form, and users can track the status of all requests in one place within the Results about you hub. We understand that removing existing content is only part of the solution, Google wrote in its blog post. For added protection, the new process allows you to opt-in to safeguards that will proactively filter out any additional explicit results that might appear in similar searches.