Your Home Address Is Being Sold Online—Here’s How to Stop It
▼ Summary
– Google offers a free, automated tool called “Results About You” that helps remove your personal information from its search results.
– Data brokers sell sensitive personal details like addresses and phone numbers online, creating significant privacy and safety risks.
– The tool allows users to request removal of their data and can send alerts when such information is found online.
– Despite being a critical and easy-to-use privacy tool, it is used by only a tiny fraction of Google’s users.
– You need a Google account for the automated service, but a manual removal process is also available for anyone.
A surprising number of companies profit by selling your personal details, including your home address, on the open web. These entities, known as data brokers, compile and distribute your information for a minimal cost, making it accessible to telemarketers, stalkers, and criminals, which significantly compromises your personal safety. Fortunately, a powerful and free tool exists to help you reclaim some control over what appears in the world’s most popular search engine.
Google operates a complimentary service named Results About You, designed to help users manage their digital footprint. The internet giant’s search algorithms continuously scan the web, often indexing sensitive personal data collected by brokers. This process can unintentionally expose individuals to harassment, fraud, and other dangers. The tool provides a straightforward way to request the removal of this information from Google’s search results, acting as a critical barrier between your private life and the public internet. Recent updates have expanded its functionality, making it an even more robust resource for privacy.
Digital rights advocates strongly endorse using the service. “This is kind of a no-brainer,” states Thorin Klosowski, a security and privacy activist with the Electronic Frontier Foundation. He considers Results About You among the top effortless privacy tools available. “In terms of stuff that’s right there, no effort, it’s probably number one,” Klosowski notes, emphasizing that easy access to personal data can be exploited in numerous harmful ways.
Once activated, the service monitors the web and sends notifications when it detects your personal information, such as your name, phone number, email, or home address. You can then review the listed sources and submit removal requests directly. For users in the United States, the tool can also identify highly sensitive data like Social Security Numbers and passport or driver’s license details. While setting up the automated alerts requires a Google account, anyone can manually report problematic search results they discover independently, even without an account.
(Source: BBC)
