How to protect your privacy by removing sensitive personal information from Google

Having your phone number, email, or even home address posted on Google can feel like a privacy invasion. These are serious details that a stranger can obtain just by clicking a few tabs. Such exposure can, in some cases, result in dire consequences such as harassment, identity scams, stalking, or even physical stalking. However, removing certain personal details from search results can be done using Google tools. This guide explains the steps to removal request through Google tools and describes the information visible online even after removed from search listings, explaining the next steps to take.

Why can your personal information appear online?

Many websites buy published personal details through data broker shops, leaked contact lists, or content scraping. Over time, data is indexed by Google and stored by other search engines for everyone to search and find.

Email addresses, phone numbers, and even home addresses are stored in social media accounts, public directories, or hacked databases. Many users are oblivious to having their data searchable and becoming available without consent.

There is no warning when data is visible or not visible online. Even the most careful users can find their data online listed without their consent. Understanding the removal process and ways to browse anonymously is vital to ensure online privacy safety.

What kinds of personal information does Google remove?

Google previously limited removal requests to only the most sensitive forms of data, such as government-issued ID numbers, financial details, or explicit images uploaded without consent.

However, the company has since expanded its policy. You can now also request takedowns for:

• Personal contact information like phone numbers, home addresses, and email addresses

• Sensitive login credentials that could be used to impersonate or defraud you

• Images or content that pose a personal risk, such as doxing or non-consensual exposure

It’s important to note that Google’s removal only affects how the content appears in search results. The data itself remains on the original website unless the site owner removes it as well.

Using the ‘Results About You’ tool

One of the simplest ways to manage your information on Google is through the ‘Results About You’ tool. This feature was introduced in 2022 and allows you to track and remove specific data connected to your name or contact details.

How it works:

1. Enter your personal details (such as name, phone number, and address) into the tool.

2. Receive notifications if matching information shows up in search results.

3. Review flagged results and request removal if the content is unwanted or poses a risk.

4. Click the three-dot icon next to the search result and choose “Remove result” to start the takedown process.

Google will guide you through a few questions to confirm the type of data being exposed and why it should be removed.

As of now, the ‘Results About You’ tool is only available in selected countries: the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, France, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, India, and Indonesia. Google has said it will expand support over time, but access remains limited.

Using the ‘Personal Data Removal Request’ form

If the ‘Results About You’ tool isn’t available in your country—or if you prefer a more traditional route—you can submit a takedown request through Google’s online form.

Steps to follow:

1. Visit the Google support page for content removals.

2. Select the relevant form for personal data exposure.

3. Paste the URLs of the search results that display your private information.

4. Describe the nature of the content—what kind of personal data is shown and why it should be taken down.

5. Provide screenshots as supporting evidence if required.

Once you submit the form, Google will review the request. If approved, the links you reported will be delisted from search results, usually within a few days.

This method works globally and is especially useful for people who do not yet have access to Google’s tracking tool.

What to do if your personal information still exists on the website

Even when Google agrees to delist a search result, the actual page still exists. This means that anyone with a direct link—or anyone using another search engine like Bing—can still find your information.

If you want the content erased completely, you’ll need to contact the website owner.

Steps to follow:

• Check for a contact or privacy policy page on the site.

• Send a formal request asking for the removal of your data, citing privacy concerns.

• Mention relevant laws, such as the GDPR (for EU residents) or other local privacy regulations if applicable.

If the site refuses or fails to respond, consider filing a complaint with a data protection authority or using professional services like DeleteMe, which helps users remove their data from people-search databases and other high-risk platforms.

Other privacy concerns to consider

It’s easy to assume that removing your data from Google solves the problem. But your personal information may still exist in other places:

• Archived web pages or cached versions may still store old versions of a site.

• Other search engines may continue showing the same data.

• Social media platforms could host content that you’ve forgotten about.

• Data brokers often store and resell information unless you opt-out.

Taking broader action can help reduce your digital footprint overall. Start by reviewing privacy settings on your social media accounts, unsubscribing from unnecessary mailing lists, and deleting inactive accounts.

You can also consider using browser extensions or online tools that limit data tracking and collection by websites and advertisers.

Conclusion

If your personal information is showing up in Google Search results, you’re not powerless. Thanks to updates in Google’s privacy tools, there are now multiple ways to remove sensitive data from search listings. Whether through the ‘Results About You’ tool or the online removal form, you can take steps to regain control of your privacy.

Still, removing links from Google does not guarantee full protection. To stay ahead of future risks, you’ll need to manage your overall online presence—starting with the platforms that publish your data and the websites that collect it.

By taking a proactive approach, you can reduce your exposure and better protect your personal information in an increasingly connected world.