Guarding Your Digital Footprint: How Google's Latest Feature Help You Stay Safe Online

Personal information is highly sensitive and can be exploited in the wrong hands. The need for digital privacy is paramount. Here's a concise guide to keeping your information secure online and how to remove some of that information from search engines using Google’s latest dashboard feature.

Keeping Your Personal Information Safe

1. Use Strong Passwords

- Implement a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.

- Avoid using the same password for multiple sites.

- Consider using a password manager.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

- An additional layer of security that requires more than a password to log in.

3. Keep Software Updated

- Regularly update your browsers, operating systems, and antivirus software.

4. Be Careful with Social Media

- Limit sharing personal information.

- Use privacy settings to control who can see your posts.

5. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Transactions

- Open networks are more susceptible to cyber-attacks.

6. Review App Permissions

- Only allow necessary permissions for apps on your mobile devices.

7. Watch Out for Phishing Emails and Scams

- Don't click on unknown links or provide personal information to unverified sources.

Google Now Makes It Easier to Track and Remove Your Personal Information from Search Engines

Google has recently announced plans to enhance user privacy by making it more straightforward to remove personal information from the company's search engine. While this does not mean that the data has been removed from the internet entirely, it offers users better control over their online presence.

Google's New Privacy Tools

Dashboard for Quick Removal Requests

Google is updating the "Results about you" section in the?Google App with a new dashboard . This feature will enable users to request the removal of specific information like phone numbers, home, and email addresses quickly. The app will also provide notifications when new web results with your information appear.

Blurring Explicit Imagery

In a broader privacy move, Google will blur explicit images by default. This means accidental exposure to disturbing images related to injuries or accidents will be minimized. Users can view these images or turn off the blurring feature entirely.

Why This Matters

These initiatives come after mounting stories of people struggling to remove information from search results, coupled with governmental pressure to allow individuals to rectify inaccurate data about themselves. This is particularly crucial for those who have had false or defamatory information posted online, as such misinformation can seriously harm their reputation.

How to Remove Your Information from Google Search

Here's a step-by-step guide to using Google's new tool:

1. Search for Your Information: Google your name or other relevant details. If something appears that you want removed, click on the three dots next to the result and select "Remove result."

2. Access the Dashboard: Open the Google App on your phone or visit goo.gle/resultsaboutyou. Click on your profile in the top right-hand corner and select "Results about you." Here, you can track the progress of your removal request.

3. Wait for Review: Google usually takes a few days to review a request to ensure it meets policy requirements for removal.

Caveats and Considerations

- Information Remains Online: Removing your information from Google Search doesn't mean it's deleted from the internet. For complete removal, contact the respective website directly.

- Explicit Personal Images Policy: Google has updated its stance on personal explicit images. Regardless of whether the photo was posted consensually, you can request removal. However, if you are being actively paid for this content, Google will not remove it.

Google's new tools represent a significant step towards empowering users to control their personal information online. While not a foolproof solution, they offer more accessible ways to manage what appears in search results. Individuals concerned about their digital footprint should take advantage of these tools and continue to practice vigilance in sharing information online.

Remember, removing results from Google doesn't mean the information has been removed from the internet, and further action may be required to achieve complete privacy.