Google users can remove personal info like phone numbers from search

Google is expanding the types of personal information users can request be removed from searches, including phone numbers and email addresses.

The company said it is updating its policies to allow search users to have more of their personal information removed from results.

The new policies now include contact information such as phone number, email address, or physical address, as well as information that could increase the risk of identity theft including log-in credentials.

“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,” said Michelle Chang, Google’s global policy lead for search, in a statement. “And people have given us feedback that they would like the ability to remove this type of information from Search in some cases.”