How to remove your sensitive data and photos from Google Search: Step-by-step guide

Google has announced new privacy updates to give users more control over their personal information online. In a blog post, the company said it is expanding its Results about you tool and improving how people can request the removal of non-consensual explicit images from Google Search. These changes are designed to simplify the process and strengthen user protection. With identity theft and online abuse on the rise, Google says it wants to help users act quickly when sensitive information appears in search results. The update will first roll out in the United States, with plans to expand to other regions later.

The Results about you tool already allowed people to request the removal of search results that included personal contact details such as phone numbers, email addresses, and home addresses. Now, it also lets users ask for the removal of results that contain government ID information, including driver’s licence numbers, passport numbers, and Social Security numbers.

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Google has also made changes to how users report non-consensual explicit images. People can now click the three dots next to an image in Search, choose remove result, and select the option that says the image is sexual and shows them. Users can submit multiple image requests through one form and track all removal requests in a single place within the Results about you hub.

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Information you can ask to be removed from Google search

Google says the new system also offers an option to filter similar explicit results in the future, adding another layer of protection. Here is a list of information that you can request Google to remove:

• Home address
• Phone number
• Email address
• Social Security or tax ID numbers
• Passport number
• Driver’s licence number
• Resident ID card number
• Bank account or credit card number
• Pictures of your signature or ID
• Medical records
• Confidential usernames and passwords
• Doxxing content that includes threats or harmful intent

How to remove personal information from Google search

Removing the personal information mentioned above from Google is easy. Just follow the simple steps below:

On Mobile

1. Open the Google app on your Android or iOS device.

2. Look for Results about you and tap it.

3. Press the Get Started button.

4. Add your name in the box and press Continue.

Note: You can add more than one name, like the birth name or the nickname.

5. Now add your Home address, Phone number and email. Once done, hit Continue.

Note: You can add more than one Home address, Phone number and email.

6. Add your government ID numbers and press Continue.

7. Check the information, confirm it by ticking the box and hit Save.

Now Google will start checking for results about you. It may take some time, so we advise you to exercise patience. You’ll receive an email regarding the discovery of Google related to your personal information. Now you can go ahead and remove the information; to do so, follow the steps below:

8. Follow steps 1 to 3 and head to the Results about you section.

9. Select the information that is available online and you want to remove.

10. Press the Request to Remove button.

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On Desktop

1. Launch your web browser.

2. Visit the goo.gle/resultsaboutyou site.

3. Make sure you are signed in to your Google account.

4. Click the Get started button.

5. Enter the personal contact information you want to monitor.

6. Add your government ID numbers when prompted.

7. If you’re already using the tool, simply add the ID numbers you’d like to monitor.

8. To keep your sensitive information safe, Results about you uses Google’s rigorous security protocols and advanced encryption to protect your privacy.

9. Once your details are confirmed, Google will automatically monitor Search results.

10. You’ll receive notifications if matching information is found so you can take action.

11. Head to the results section and click the Request to Remove button.