Google will let users request personal info be removed from searches

Google is making changes that will allow users to have more control over not only what they see but also what others can see.

One of the changes coming from Google will now allow people to request that content with personal contact information such as phone numbers, email and physical addresses be removed from search results.

The new policy also allows for removing other information that may pose as a risk for identity theft.

The company said in a statement that open access to information is vital, “but so is empowering people with the tools they need to protect themselves and keep their sensitive, personally identifiable information private”.

“Privacy and online safety go hand in hand. And when you’re using the internet, it’s important to have control over how your sensitive, personally identifiable information can be found,” it said.

Google Search earlier had permitted people to request that highly personal content that could cause direct harm be removed.

It said that when it receives such requests it will study all the content on the web page to avoid limiting availability of useful information on the public record on government or other official websites.

“It’s important to remember that removing content from Google Search won’t remove it from the internet, which is why you may wish to contact the hosting site directly, if you’re comfortable doing so,” it said.

More control over what ads you see

Meanwhile, Google has also expanded its sensitive ad categories to include options such as dating, pregnancy and parenting and weight loss.

The settings apply to all of Google’s Display network, not just YouTube ads, according to Elijah Lawal, a representative of the company. Google says the network is “a group of more than two million websites, videos, and apps” that advertisers can target users across.

However, the company notes that while it should show fewer ads related to those topics, it can’t guarantee they won’t show up at all. For example, an ad for gum may feature people in a relationship. Google’s support page says that you could still see these types of ads even if you’ve asked to limit them — you just shouldn’t get specific ads for a dating app or nappies.

“People want more control over their ads experience, including blocking ads or categories they prefer not to see. Providing transparency and control has always been a priority for us so we’re expanding our tools, enabling the choice to see fewer pregnancy and parenting, dating, and weight loss ads. We’ll continue to listen to user feedback and study which categories to expand this feature to in the future,” said Karin Hennessy, group product manager for ads privacy.

— Additional reporting by the Associated Press