Search engine Google will now alert people when their personal information appears online, making it easier for them to remove it.
The US company said the new tools aim to give people more control over their personal information and photos that appear online.
New rules regarding personal images mean users will be able to request that explicit images of them be removed from ‘search results’.
The new tool will also work in situations where someone has voluntarily uploaded personal content and later wants to remove it from search results.
This policy will generally apply to personal information that will not only appear in Google’s tools, but will also be easy to remove.
Google has long introduced policies aimed at helping people remove non-consensual explicit images from search results. But the changes mean people can remove content even when they’ve uploaded it voluntarily.
In the update, Google emphasized that it is only able to remove content from Google Search, but doing so will not affect its availability on other websites or search engines. But removing any unwanted images from search results will make them more difficult to find.
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The new feature is part of an expansion of Google’s ‘About You’ tool that the company first introduced last year.
When the tool was launched, it was intended to make it easier for people to request the removal of search results that contain personal information such as phone numbers or home addresses.
The tool has now been enhanced to enable searching search results containing information. Users will be able to access the dashboard and view any web results that contain contact information.
Users will then be able to access an improved form to request their removal.
The dashboard is currently only available in US and English language. Google said it is working to bring it to new languages and other parts of the world soon.
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**Interview with Tech Expert, Sarah Mitchell, on Google’s New Personal Information Control Features**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Sarah. Google recently announced new tools that will alert users when their personal information appears online. Can you tell us what sparked this initiative?
**Sarah Mitchell:** Thank you for having me! The increasing concern about online privacy and the prevalence of non-consensual sharing of personal information made it essential for platforms like Google to take action. As we’ve seen, many individuals struggle with the permanence of online content, and this initiative aims to empower users to regain some control over their digital footprint.
**Editor:** That makes sense. One key aspect of this update is users can now request the removal of explicit images that they’ve voluntarily uploaded. Why is this significant?
**Sarah Mitchell:** This is a game-changer in terms of online consent. Historically, once something is online, it can be nearly impossible to erase it, but Google’s new policy acknowledges that users may change their minds about sharing content. By allowing individuals to remove even voluntarily uploaded images, Google is giving users greater agency and respecting their evolving feelings about privacy.
**Editor:** You mentioned non-consensual sharing. How does Google’s previous policy relate to this new change?
**Sarah Mitchell:** Google has already had measures in place to help individuals remove explicit images shared without their consent, which was an essential first step. The new updates build on that foundation, expanding the scope of personal information control. Now, users can manage not just content shared without permission but also things they may have initially consented to share.
**Editor:** It sounds like a comprehensive approach. What impact do you think this will have on users’ online experiences?
**Sarah Mitchell:** I believe it will significantly enhance users’ trust in online platforms. The ability to remove unwanted or outdated information will encourage more responsible sharing and may help combat harassment, as users will feel more secure in managing their digital identities. Ultimately, it promotes a healthier online ecosystem.
**Editor:** Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your insights on Google’s new tools. It seems like a step forward for online privacy and personal control.
**Sarah Mitchell:** Thank you for having me! It’s great to see major tech companies taking these important steps towards protecting user privacy.
