You can now ask Google to remove your phone number from search

Google is expanding its options for removing personally identifiable information from search results. If you don’t want your phone number, email account, or home address listed in Google Search results, you can now put in a request to remove them.

For years now, Google has entertained requests to remove personal information from search results, including bank account details or credit card numbers that could be used for financial fraud. The new policy follows increasing demand from people to remove their personal information from the internet.

“The availability of personal contact information online can be jarring — and it can be used in harmful ways, including for unwanted direct contact or even physical harm. And people have given us feedback that they would like the ability to remove this type of information from Search in some cases,” Google wrote in its blog post.

How does the phone number removal process work?

Google will evaluate removal requests to ensure it is not limiting the availability of helpful information. It will also not remove contact information that’s part of public record on government websites or official sources.

It’s important to note that removing your contact information from Google Search is not the ultimate solution to not having it out there on the internet. The said information will still be accessible through other search engines.

The best way to keep your information private is to reach out to websites that host it directly.

You can head here to start a removal request for your personal information from Google. The company says it typically processes requests within a few days.