Erase these private details Google knows about you
Ever think about how much Google knows about you? You don’t have to wonder. Sign in to your Google account and check this page to see exactly what the search giant thinks you’re interested in.
It’s not just search. Your Gmail inbox, Google Drive files, Maps history, YouTube views and much more are added to the dossier of info on you. Here’s a buried Google Maps setting you should change right now.
While this type of data collection is par for the course, you can delete almost everything you’ve shared with Google and regain some of your privacy.
Hide your address and phone number
Have you ever stumbled across your phone number, address or another private detail online? It’s unsettling, and you can ask Google to stop displaying many things, including:
- Confidential government identification like your Social Security number
- Bank account numbers
- Credit card numbers
- Images of handwritten signatures
- Images of ID docs
- Highly personal, restricted and official records, like medical records
- Personal contact info (physical addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses)
- Confidential login credentials
If you want to put in a removal request with Google, follow these steps:
- Check the requirements on the Google Search Removal page.
- After ensuring you qualify and have the necessary information, click Start removal request.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to request your details be removed.
You’ll get a confirmation email after you submit your request. Google will notify you once the request has been fulfilled, denied or with any further steps you need to take.
Search is a goldmine of data
Google uses your search history to build a detailed profile about you. This personalizes the ads and content you see.
Here’s how you can clear your search history and activity:
Opt-Out Tuesday: How to remove your info from Apollo.io
While tech companies collect your data to build an online profile and track your shopping and browsing habits, other companies sell your personal information to whoever is interested. This can include scammers, hackers, con artists and crazy exes.
Privacy fix: How to remove your address and phone number from Google search results
Apps and services often need certain information to work correctly. For example, a navigation app needs to know your precise location to provide driving directions. Tap or click here to see how apps are watching everywhere you go unless you change this setting.
Good news: You can now request pictures of minors be removed from Google search
Google is undoubtedly the biggest search engine on the planet. If you can’t find it on Google, it probably doesn’t exist. Its far-reaching search capabilities can create a bit of a problem, especially if you don’t want to be found. Tap or click here for five buried Google settings other than privacy to save time.