Internet users will therefore be able to submit a request to Google, but under certain conditions: The person must be a victim of threats or harassment in connection with data that is disclosed online.
It would already have been possible to ask Google to remove search results pages containing credit card numbers, medical file numbers, or even a Social Security number, under those same terms. Thus, the list of requests accepted by the web giant has been extended to include phone numbers, email addresses and postal addresses.
The goal is to reduce the risk of harassment associated in particular with the disclosure of confidential data by malicious persons (hex).
Online personal data disclosure, more commonly known as hexis the public disclosure of someone’s email address, home address, or phone number with the intent to cause harm or harassment.
The Internet continues to evolve – information can appear in unexpected places, in new ways to use it – so is our Privacy Policy [des utilisateurs et utilisatrices] It also needs to evolve
said Michelle Chang, Head of Global Policy at Google Search.
The latter clarified that the evaluation of pages brought to Google’s attention is not intended to de-reference press articles, which can provide, for example, mailing addresses of general interest.
” We will also evaluate whether this content appears in public documents, government websites, or other official sources. If so, we won’t start pulling out. »
In an interview with Reuters news agency, Michelle Chang noted that 13% of delisting requests were successful, a statistic she wants you to see exaggerated. She also made it clear that complaints are evaluated within a few days.
Submitting a request to Google is a first step in deleting personal data, but it is not the end, because the information may still be available on other search engines. Michelle Chang encourages Internet users to contact directly the site that hosts pages that disclose sensitive data.
To submit a delisting request to Google, visit the Search Engine Help Center website (A new window).
