Google Updates Results About You Tool with Easier Removal Requests and Search Refresh Option

Since its launch in 2022, Google’s “Results About You” tool has been helping users manage their personal information online. The tool allows individuals to find personal data about themselves in Google Search results and request its removal. The tool was updated once in 2023, with the latest changes designed to improve user experience. Google’s announcements focus on a redesigned hub and new features aimed at keeping search results up-to-date.

Redesigned Hub and Streamlined Process

The recent update brings a redesigned hub, which makes it easier for users to manage their data. The most notable change is the ability to submit removal requests directly from the search results. By simply clicking or tapping the three dots beside a search result, users can request the removal of content with fewer actions. This redesign enhances accessibility and ensures users can act quickly to manage their information.

Another important update is the option to refresh search results if content about you has been deleted or changed on a website but hasn’t yet been updated in Google Search. By requesting a refresh, the search engine will recrawl the page and retrieve the latest information. This feature ensures that Google Search reflects the most current results about you, even if changes aren’t immediately visible in the search results.

Limited Changes in Updates and Regional Availability of Google’s “Results About You” Tool

While these updates improve the tool’s usability, they don’t introduce groundbreaking changes compared to the 2023 update. Last year’s update was more significant, including proactive searches that automatically find personal information and the ability to remove consensual explicit images. This change gave users more control over their digital footprint, but the current update is more focused on user convenience and accessibility.

Despite the recent enhancements, the Results About You tool remains unavailable in certain regions. While it was made available in Australia and South Africa in May 2023, it is still inaccessible in many other countries, including Malaysia. Google has not provided a comprehensive list of countries where the tool is available, so users must check their Google accounts to determine if they can use the feature.