Google is expanding its Results about you privacy tool to help users find and request removal of Google Search results that may contain government-issued identification information. The update adds support for monitoring sensitive identifiers such as passport numbers, driver’s license numbers, and Social Security numbers.
Results about you
The Results about you tool helps users understand how personal information appears in Search and take action when needed. Google says more than 10 million people have already used the feature to monitor exposure of details such as phone numbers and home addresses. With this expansion, the tool now includes additional categories of highly sensitive identification data.
Results about you: setup and monitoring process
Google outlines a three-step process for using the expanded feature:
1. Access the Results about you hub
Users can open the tool in the Google app by selecting their account profile photo and tapping “Results about you.” The hub is also accessible through Google’s web entry point and serves as the dashboard for managing monitored information and reviewing alerts.
2. Add personal and government ID information
First-time users can select “Get started” and enter the personal contact details they want monitored. The updated system also allows users to add government ID numbers for tracking. Existing users can update their monitored information to include these identifiers.
Google says the data is protected using its security protocols and encryption systems to reduce the risk of misuse.
3. Automatic monitoring and alerts
After confirmation, Google continuously scans Search results for matches. If listings containing monitored information are detected, users receive notifications and can submit removal requests directly through the tool.
Google notes that removing a listing from Search does not erase the information from the original website. Instead, it limits visibility in Search results, allowing users to respond when private data appears online.
Availability
The expanded government ID monitoring capability is rolling out in the United States over the coming days. Google says it is working to bring the feature to additional regions.