What is Google 'Results about you tool'? How does it help in hiding your personal details from stalkers overnight?

In today’s digital era, where every click leaves a trail, personal data has become the new currency, traded freely by brokers while we scroll unaware. Your name, address, phone, or email can pop up in searches, leading to scams, harassment, or worse, all without your consent.

It's like a quiet invasion into privacy. Yet, amid big technology's vast machine, one overlooked feature is like a power backup.

What is Google's "Results About You"?

Google's "Results About You" is a handy, free privacy tool that scans search results for your personal details, like phone numbers, emails, or home addresses, and lets you request their removal from Google Search.

Data brokers scoop up and sell this info cheaply to telemarketers, scammers, or stalkers, making it easy for anyone to find you online [original query]. The tool doesn't wipe data from websites but hides it from Google's index, so it's way tougher for casual snoopers to spot.

Why is it helpful?

EFF privacy expert Thorin Klosowski explained to the BBC, "If very dedicated people want to find you, they will. But Google is so ubiquitous and it is so easy to use, it's pretty helpful to get rid of the worst, most obvious stuff. You're peeling off the first layer of information that's easy to find".

It also flags super-sensitive stuff like ID or passport numbers in some regions and sends alerts for new matches.

How to use it?

• Here are some easy steps to use Google’s tool
• Head to myactivity.google.com/results-about-you on a browser or Google app.
• Enter names (including nicknames/maiden names), phones, emails, or addresses, confirm they’re yours, and click on continue.
• Turn on notifications for email or app alerts when matches appear. Check the "To Review" tab, preview results, and select "Request to Remove", as Google reviews and updates you via email.
• Google's support page details, it can be accessed via the app (profile photo > Results About You) or web, setup takes minutes, with scans starting right away.