Google Tool Shields Personal Info from Online Snooping
Google's free privacy tool, 'Results about you', can help individuals protect their personal information from being easily accessible online. This tool allows users to monitor search results for sensitive details such as home addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses.
The Federal Trade Commission considers people-search websites, like TruePeopleSearch and FamilyTreeNow, a type of data broker that compiles information from public records and social media profiles. These sites can make it easy for strangers to find personal information about individuals.
To use 'Results about you', sign in to your Google account and go to the tool's page. Enter your name and the personal details you want Google to monitor, such as your home address or phone number. You'll receive notifications if new search results containing that information are found.
However, it's essential to note that removing a result from Google doesn't remove the original content from the website. Users must contact the website directly and follow their opt-out process to completely remove the information.