Delete Your Personal Information from Google

It isn’t perfect, but you can now request Google delete your personal information from its search results. On its face this may not seem earthshattering, but when one realizes that Google serves as the gatekeeper for over 90% of the search results returned in 2021, the announcement becomes increasingly significant. While privacy experts say such recourse has been long overdue, most technology companies still have a vested interest ignoring such requests. If there remains any doubt as to this, one need simply to recall how long it took companies to agree to include a guaranteed “unsubscribe” button from their email mailing lists.

Now You Can Delete Personal Information from Google Search

Times seem to be changing. With technology giant Google agreeing to such provisions, it seems only a matter of time before other companies follow suit. Using its proprietary form, you can now ask Google to block certain information such as physical addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, government-issued identification numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, handwritten signatures, identification document images, medical information, and confidential login credentials from appearing in its search results.

It is unclear, however, if Google deletes your information outright or simply prohibits its retrieval via searches. Moreover, it is important to recognize that Google can still reject the entreaty in its own discretion. For example, Google states that they reserve the right to deny a request if they believe that the data in question is relevant in an advisory way or if the information already exists as part of the public record.

Why Is Google Offering a Method for Deletion of Personal Information?

Privacy experts note that the timing of Google’s change of heart is no coincidence. The new policy comes on the heels of Google agreeing to allow guardians to request images of minors be removed from Google’s search results, which, in turn, also coincided with Google’s admission that it had complied with fake legal requests issued by nefarious parties in the past.

And on deeper examination, Google’s decision perfectly represents the growing tension between freedom of information and the right to privacy. Put another way, the right to information, which previously seemed to only be a concern of the press, has now appeared to slowly evolve on a track parallel to technology. In today’s day and age, personal information has become incredibly easy to aggregate quickly and through automated means.

It seems natural then that laws have generally lagged behind the progress of technology, and only now has the general public been able to pressure technology companies to suppress or outright delete personal information. As a result, it behooves legal counsel to follow these developments in the management of personal information on the web and similarly decide if stronger protection should be pursued or warranted.

Key Takeaways on Google Form to Request Deletion of Personal Information

Google has agreed to review requests from individuals seeking to remove their personal information from its search results. This change in policy:

• Likely comes as a result of the increase in crime regarding personal information solicited under false pretenses;

• Is requested through a new proprietary form via its services; and

• Reflects the growing tension between freedom of information and the right to privacy.

For more information about online data privacy, see our Technology Law Services and Industry Focused Legal Solutions pages.