Google has introduced some significant updates to its Search platform, aimed at empowering users to take control of their personal information, privacy, and online safety.
The following features have been implemented to enhance user experience and safety:
Finding and Removing Personal Results Made Easier
Google has unveiled significant updates to its “Results about you” tool, designed to aid users in managing their personal information and online safety.
The tool allows users to request the removal of search results containing personal details like phone numbers, home addresses, or emails, directly from the Google app or Search interface.
The improved tool now notifies users when their personal contact information appears in search results, enabling them to swiftly request its removal.
Enhanced Family Protection
To enhance family safety, Google has introduced a new default setting that blurs explicit imagery, such as adult or violent content, in search results.
The SafeSearch blurring feature is rolling out globally, and users can modify or deactivate it unless locked by a guardian or school network administrator.
Additionally, Google has made parental controls more accessible by displaying relevant information when users search for terms like “google parental controls” or “google family link.”
Updated Policies for Personal Explicit Images
Google now allows users to request the removal of their personal explicit images from search results. Even if the content was previously uploaded with consent but is now being published without approval, users can request its removal. Google has simplified the process for submitting removal requests, covering various types of content.
Availability
Results about you: Google plans to introduce a new dashboard that notifies users if search results display their contact information. The dashboard will enable quick removal of these results directly from the tool.
The “Results about you” tool is available in the Google app and on the website google/resultsaboutyou in the U.S. in English, with plans to expand to other languages and locations soon.
SafeSearch Blurring: The SafeSearch blurring setting is now accessible to all users worldwide. It can be adjusted or disabled, unless set by a guardian or school network administrator.
Announcing the updates, Danielle Romain, VP, Trust, Google, said:
We are introducing new tools and safeguards to help you maintain control over your personal information, privacy, and online safety. We understand the importance of being in charge of your online experience. These new tools and updates are just some of the many ways we are making Google the safest way to search.