Google ‘Results About You’ Keeps Personal Info out of Search

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An illustration shows the cell phone version of a Google search menu.

Adobe Stock, Getty Images and Chris Zuppa/The Penny Hoarder

A new tool from Google will soon be able to notify you if your personal information appears in a search.

Google’s “Results About You” tool is beginning to roll out as a beta to select users and should be available for everyone by early next year.

The tool is a part of ongoing efforts by Google to help make your online presence more manageable. The search giant recently announced a new form that enables users to request the removal of personal information from its results.

Your Personal Information on Google

Personal information, such as your Social Security number, bank account info, secure logins, home address and more, can show up without your approval.

Results About You” will be able to keep an eye on the web for you, alerting you of any personal contact information that may appear. You’ll be able to set up the alert within the Google app on iOS or Android once the feature has been made available.

The tool will work in tandem with Google’s information removal request system, making the entire process of keeping your data safe easier from start to finish. With a request, Google may remove search results involving personally identifiable information, or (PPI).

Google defines PPI as the following information that it considers may be a risk to your personal security:

  • Confidential government identification numbers, including Social Security numbers
  • Bank account or credit card numbers
  • Images of handwritten signatures
  • Images of identification documents
  • Highly restricted or official records, such as medical records
  • Personal contact information, such as your physical address or phone number
  • Confidential login credentials

It is critical to note that if Google approves your…

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