What the Tech: Google yourself
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – If you have ever Googled your own name, you may have been surprised by what turned up. Entire websites publish details such as your address, phone number, email, relatives’ names, and even photos of the houses you have lived in. Sites like TruePeopleSearch, FamilyTreeNow, and USPhoneBook collect public records from courthouses and place them in one searchable database. Anyone with an internet connection can find it in seconds.
While it is legal, since the information comes from public records, privacy advocates warn that it poses a serious risk. Scammers, identity thieves, and even stalkers can use these websites to
quickly piece together someone’s life. The Federal Trade Commission has even fined some data brokers in the past for how they used consumer data. Critics say that these sites make
privacy almost impossible and that the burden is unfairly placed on individuals to clean up their own digital footprints.
The good news is that Google has created a free tool to help you hide some of this information from search results. It does not remove your data from the internet entirely, but it makes it more
difficult for strangers to stumble across. Here is how it works. From your phone or mobile device, go to Google.com and tap your account photo in the top right corner. In the settings, you will see an option called “Results about you.” Once there, enter the personal details you want to protect, such as your address, phone number, and email. Google will then scan its search results to see where that information appears.
If it finds matches, you will be given the option to request removal. Most people who use the tool for the first time discover a dozen or more websites listing their details. Once you submit a
removal request, Google will block those sites from appearing in search results for your name. You will also receive follow-up emails from Google whenever new results with your personal
information are found, giving you another chance to request removal.
It is important to remember that this process does not erase the information from the people search websites themselves. If you want it gone completely, you must contact those sites
directly and follow their opt-out procedures. While it can take some time, most of the major sites will eventually comply if you follow their process.
Privacy experts often point out that data brokers maintain thousands of data points on individuals, from shopping habits to online activity. Even if you cannot erase all of it, reducing
what shows up in a simple Google search is an important step in protecting yourself from scams and unwanted attention.
Scammers do not need help finding us. Taking advantage of Google’s tool to hide sensitive details is one of the simplest and most effective ways to take back a little control of your privacy.
Step by Step: Hide Your Info from Google Search
1. Open Google on your phone
2. Select “Results about you”
– In your settings, find the option labeled Results about you.
3. Enter your details
– Type in your personal information, such as your address, phone number, and email.
4. Let Google scan
– Google will search to see where that information appears in search results.
5. Request removal
– When matches are found, you can request that Google block those results.
6. Watch for follow-up emails
– Google will send you alerts when your details appear again, giving you the chance to request
more removals.
7. Go further
– For permanent removal, contact the people-search websites directly and use their opt-out
process
