Google: Here's How You Can Request to Remove Your Personal Info on Search Results

Google has created a form that users can submit to suppress pages that show information such as phone numbers, home addresses, login credentials, personal images.

The tech giant announced that they may remove personally identifiable information that has "potential to create significant risks of identity thefts, financial fraud, harmful direct contact" among others, according to an NBC News report. Google noted that it includes doxxing, which is when one's contact info is shared in a malicious way.

The social media company said that it will not automatically remove results and that there must be an explicit or implicit threat of abuse for the request to be considered.

A company representative said that its research has found an increasing amount of personally identifiable information online.

The spokesperson added that they expect to accept a higher percentage of takedown requests. However, they will not be removing information that seems to be part of the public record on governmental or official sites.

Google Personal Information Removal

Michelle Chang, global policy lead for Google search, said in an exclusive interview with Reuters that research revealed that there is a larger amount of personally identifiable information that users see as sensitive.

Google has also removed links to bank accounts, credit card numbers, and medical records.

Chang said that the company received tens of thousands of requests every year in recent years, with an approval rate of 13 percent.

Older Google policies allowed requesting takedowns of results directing to unwanted pornography. In Europe, "inaccurate, inadequate, irrelevant or excessive" personal informal information was removed. Google also started allowing the removal of photos of minors last year.

Webpages that Google removes can still be seen through other search engines or directly. Chang said that users are urged to contact publishers to address "the root of the issue."

Once users submit the removal request, they will be receiving an automated email confirmation, confirming that Google has received the request. Google will then review the request based on the factors that required the personal information removal.

The company will then gather more information if needed. For instance, if the request does not have enough information for them to evaluate, such as missing URLs.

Users will then get a notification of any action taken. If the request does not meet the requirements for removal, an explanation will also be provided.

Users can re-submit their request if it is denied, as long as they have additional materials to support their case.

Google Targeted by Hackers

Chrome users have been warned as Google released 30 new security flaws, including seven that pose a "high" threat, according to a WION News report. The tech giant warned billions of users that the browser has been successfully targeted by hackers.

Google has announced that it is now releasing an update to fix the bugs, with the update expected to come within the next few days.

It noted that the bug has affected Windows, macOS, and Linux. However, there has been no additional detail regarding who is responsible for the hacking.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by Mary Webber

WATCH: Google allows users to request personal information removal - from ABC News