Google Introduces New Privacy Tool and Blurs Explicit Content in Search Results
In a move to align with its mission statement of organizing and making information universally accessible and useful, Google has unveiled a new privacy tool and enhanced protection against explicit content in its search results.
The tech giant has upgraded its Results About You tool, which was first introduced last year to help individuals remove personal identifiable information from Google Search outcomes. With the new update, users will receive alerts whenever their contact information appears in search results and can choose to hide those details. This provides individuals with increased privacy and peace of mind.
Danielle Romain, Vice President of Trust at Google, announced that a new dashboard will be rolled out in the coming days, enabling users to easily request the removal of web results containing their contact information. Additionally, Google will notify users whenever new search results containing their contact information surface, ensuring continuous protection.
Results About You empowers search users to ask Google not to display links to websites that reveal their names, addresses, phone numbers, or email addresses. Although this tool does not remove the information from the actual websites, it makes it significantly more challenging to locate.
While some websites allow users to directly request information removal, the process is often cumbersome. Services like DeleteMe assist in submitting bulk removal requests to data brokers for a subscription fee. However, due to data brokers potentially reacquiring an individual’s data, these requests may need to be repeated annually. With its updated system, Google aims to assume a portion of this work.
Moreover, Google has taken steps to protect users from explicit imagery through its search results. Adult content and graphic violence will now be blurred by default, offering a safer browsing experience. The SafeSearch blurring setting will be introduced this month, allowing users to disable it through the SafeSearch settings page. In addition to the Blur and Off options, there is a Filter setting that blocks explicit content.
In an effort to combat non-consensual explicit imagery, Google is expanding its long-standing policy that enables people to request the removal of such content from Search. The company now offers the option to have revenge porn removed if it was initially published with consent, taken down, and subsequently reposted without consent. However, Google refrains from intervening in adult industry copyright disputes related to content currently being commercialized.
It is crucial to maintain a balanced view and offer different perspectives when discussing privacy concerns and content moderation. Google’s privacy tools and explicit content blurring reflect the company’s dedication to ensuring user privacy and providing a safer online environment. With these updates, Google aims to offer greater control and protection to its users while navigating the digital realm.
