Google is adding phone numbers and email addresses to the list of personal information that you can request to be deleted from the search engine.
They finally have announced that they are modifying their policy to allow consumers to have more control over their personal information, by allowing you to request it to be removed from search results.
Contact information, such as a phone number, email address, or physical location, is now included in the revised policies, as well as information that could enhance the risk of identity theft, such as log-in credentials.
Google's policy lead, Michelle Change released this statement:
"The availability of personal contact information online can be jarring — and it can be used in harmful ways, including for unwanted direct contact or even physical harm...And people have given us feedback that they would like the ability to remove this type of information from Search in some cases."
While this is a step in the right direction, you as a user must manually submit the request. Even then, Google claims to have the right to make the final call if they will or will not remove. So sadly, you will still not have total control over your personal details.
What do you think about Google allowing users to request to remove their details from the search engine?
