Google expands ‘Results About You’ tool to track sensitive personal data
Google announced on Tuesday that it will soon allow users to track whether highly sensitive personal information commonly used in identity theft is appearing online, as part of an expansion of its “Results about you” feature.
The company said the updated tool will begin monitoring the online appearance of passport details, driver’s license numbers, and Social Security numbers, in addition to the personal data it already tracks. If such information is found on the web, users will be able to request the removal of related links from Google search results.
Until now, Google’s monitoring capabilities have been limited to a person’s name, home address, email address, and phone number. The expanded functionality is intended to provide stronger protection against identity theft, which continues to rise in the United States.
In a post on its corporate blog, Google said the new features will roll out in the coming days, initially only in the United States, with plans to make them available in additional regions at a later stage.
To use the expanded monitoring service, users will need to register the specific personal information they want tracked. For example, someone wishing to monitor the appearance of their driver’s license online will have to provide Google with their license number. Google emphasized that this data will be handled securely, stating that the tool uses “rigorous security protocols and advanced encryption” to prevent misuse and protect user privacy.
The announcement comes as identity theft remains a growing problem in the US. According to the Federal Trade Commission, more than 1.1 million identity theft cases were reported last year.
Credit card fraud remains the most common form of identity theft, with criminals using stolen personal information to make unauthorized purchases or open new accounts. Other widespread forms include the misuse of personal data for employment, medical services, or access to government benefits.
Google said the expanded tool is designed to give users greater visibility and control over their personal information as concerns over digital privacy and online fraud continue to increase. (ILKHA)
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