Ever heard the phrase "the internet never forgets"? It’s often a light-hearted warning against posting something you might regret. But what if you discover personal information about yourself online that you’d rather not have public? It happens more often than you’d think, and knowing how to handle it is crucial.
Here’s a guide on how to get your personal information off Google.
Discovering Personal Info on Google
Have you ever Googled yourself and stumbled upon details you wish weren’t out there? It can be unsettling.
Remember, Google is essentially a massive directory; it doesn’t own the content but rather compiles it from various websites. If your personal info pops up in Google’s search results, removing it from the internet entirely might be challenging. However, you can request to have it removed from Google’s Search Engine Results Page (SERP).
Identifying Information Eligible for Removal from the Internet
While you might not have control over all the personal information that ends up online, especially if it’s posted by others without your consent, there are specific types of data that you legally have the right to request removal. These include:
1. Copyright Violations
If your copyrighted content is posted without your permission, you can file a DMCA takedown request. The hosting website is legally required to remove such content upon receiving a valid claim.
2. Images from Sexual Abuse or Exploitation
Any content resulting from child sexual abuse or featuring inappropriate images of minors can be legally requested for removal from the internet.
3. Personal Financial Data
You have the right to request the removal of your personal financial details if they’re posted online without your consent. This includes sensitive information like account numbers, social security numbers, and credit card details.
Types of Personal Information Google Will Remove
Google has specific guidelines on the types of personal information it will remove from search results. Here’s an overview:
1. Non-consensual Explicit or Fake Images
If you find yourself depicted in explicit images or videos that are either fake or shared without your consent, Google can help. They’ll remove this content from search results if it meets these criteria:
- You are identifiable in the content.
- The content is fabricated, and you were not actually in that situation.
- It was shared without your permission.
To request removal, you’ll need to fill out Google’s image removal form.
2. Content Uploaded for Exploitative Purposes
Unfortunately, some people post content about others with malicious intent, like demanding payment for its removal. Google can remove such content from search results if:
- You are the subject of the exploitative content.
- The website hosting the content isn’t a business review platform.
- The website requires payment for content removal.
3. Financial, Medical, and National ID Information
Google is committed to removing certain sensitive details that could lead to identity theft or fraud. While general information like your name or birthday is considered public and not eligible for removal, Google will consider removing:
- Personal medical records.
- Credit card and bank account numbers.
- National ID numbers.
- Signatures.
If you come across such information on Google’s search results, you can request its removal.
4. Protection Against Doxxing
Doxxing is when someone posts another person’s contact information online, often accompanied by threats or calls for harassment. Google will remove such content if it involves:
- Sharing your contact information without consent.
- Threats or encouragement of others to harass or harm you.
5. Removal of Non-consensual Intimate Images
If you find intimate images or videos of yourself online that you didn’t consent to be shared, Google can help remove them. These requests will be considered if the content:
- Depicts you nude, in a sexual act, or in an intimate situation.
- Was shared without your consent – either you didn’t consent to the act itself, the recording of the image/video, or its public distribution.
Steps to Remove Your Personal Data from Google
If you’re looking to erase your personal information from Google, here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Self-Deletion
If you personally uploaded the information on social media or other platforms, you have the power to delete it. For instance, an old tweet can often be found through Google, but you can go to your Twitter account and remove it.
Reviewing your privacy settings on social platforms is also effective. Setting your Instagram to private, for example, means your posts won’t show up in Google searches.
2. Reach Out to the Website Owner
Your first move should be to contact the owner of the website where your information is posted. You can usually find their contact details on the website or through a quick Google search. In more serious situations, you might need to contact the web hosting service to get in touch with the site owner.
3. Appeal to Google
If you can’t get the website owner to remove the content, your next step is to ask Google to remove it from their search results. Keep in mind that Google doesn’t host the content and can’t delete it from the web. What they can do is remove it from their Search Engine Results Page (SERP). This means the content won’t show up in Google searches but could still be accessible through other search engines or by directly visiting the URL.
Quick Guide to Removing Personal Data from Google’s Search Results
To remove your personal information from Google’s Search Engine Results Pages (SERP), follow these steps:
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Document the Content: Take screenshots of the content you want removed. For sexually explicit material, it’s permissible to blur explicit parts, but ensure you are still identifiable in the image.
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Gather URLs: Copy the URL(s) of the SERP where the unwanted content appears.
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Determine the Removal Category: Identify which category your request for removal falls under. This could be copyright violations, sensitive personal information, explicit content, etc.
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Submit a Removal Request: Complete Google’s personal information removal request form. If necessary, you can also have an authorized representative fill it out on your behalf.
Wrapping Up
In an age where privacy breaches are common, it’s crucial to be conscious of the information you share online. Regularly search for your personal data on the internet to check if it’s being shared without your consent.
If you do find personal information online that shouldn’t be public, it’s important to act swiftly to have it removed. If direct removal isn’t possible, use the steps above to request its removal from Google’s search results, thus making it less accessible to the general public.
