Google announced today, Tuesday, the launch of new updates to its privacy tools, aimed at enhancing user experience when managing personal data online. These updates include significant improvements to the "Results About You" tool and the image removal feature for photos posted without the owners' consent from search results.
"Results About You" Tool: Continuous Privacy Monitoring
The "Results About You" tool is one of Google’s key privacy features, allowing users to monitor search results related to their personal information. The tool can easily be accessed via the Google app by tapping on the profile picture and selecting the relevant tool. If it's the first time a user is accessing the tool, they will be prompted to click on "Get started" to add their personal information, such as their name and other relevant details.
Once the information is confirmed, Google will automatically start monitoring search results and notify the user if any results include their personal data. This feature is designed to help users keep track of their online presence and ensure their privacy is maintained.
Improvements to Image Removal Tools
Google is also improving its tools for removing private images that have been posted without the owners' consent from search results. Users can now click on the three dots next to an image in search results and select the "Remove result" option to request its removal.
Additionally, users can now select multiple images at once and submit a single removal request. They can also track the status of all their requests from one place within the "Results About You" section in the Google app.
Removal Limits: Privacy Protection with Digital Reality in Mind
It is important to note that Google clarifies that removing images or data from search results does not mean they are permanently deleted from the internet. Removing content from the search engine helps improve users' privacy and gives them more control over the information displayed to them, but it does not necessarily mean that the data has been deleted from all websites.
Conclusion
These updates from Google represent a significant step forward in improving the user experience in protecting their privacy online, empowering them to manage their digital presence more easily and effectively. As the company continues to develop these tools, awareness of privacy management remains a critical aspect of handling personal information in the digital world.