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Google announced that as part of its initiative to keep users’ personal information safe it will allow people to request removal of their personal data from web search results.
This new policy implies the elimination of telephone numbers, email and physical addresses of all those users who request it . In the same way, they will offer the possibility of deleting any type of information that can be used for identity theft, a problem that affects thousands of people a year.
“Google may remove personally identifiable information (PII) that has the potential to create significant risks of identity theft, financial fraud, harmful direct contact, or targeted harm. This includes doxing, which occurs when your contact information is shared for malicious purposes,” the company says on its website.
The company indicated through a statement that in Just as free access to information is important, it is also important that people have the tools to protect themselves and prevent their personal information from being shared.
“Privacy and online security go hand in hand. And when you use the Internet, it is important to have control over how your personal information can be found”, reads the statement published by Google.
Which are the requirements?
In order for a user’s information to be deleted, a series of essential requirements must first be met. Among them is that the data that is published on the Internet poses a risk to the physical or financial integrity of a person.
In this sense , information such as credit card numbers, images of handwritten signatures, confidential access credentials or a person’s clinical data are eligible for deletion.
In the case of content that can be used for practices such as doxing, which consists of sharing personal information with the intention of harming a person or company, the requirements for Google to delete the data are:
– You must appear your contact information.
– Explicit or implied threats
– Explicit or implicit incitements from other users to hurt or harass
In order for Google to delete the information, the user must complete the following form with all the information requested by the company in order to be able to evaluate your request and respond in the shortest time possible.
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