Google’s “Results About You” tool reveals just how exposed your personal data really is

Google’s “Results About You” tool reveals just how exposed your personal data

Google’s newly updated Results About You tool offers a sobering look into how much of your personal information is exposed online. From home addresses to email IDs, birth dates, and even relatives’ names, the tool surfaces details scraped by people-search websites and stored in vast databases created by data brokers, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Even for those who have previously opted out of such sites, the tool has shown how persistent and invasive the problem is. After plugging in basic information, users receive alerts within hours showing just how widely their data has spread.

Google promises not to use this information for other purposes and allows users to request link removals directly from search results. But the tool only identifies search results, not the actual sources—leaving the underlying issue unresolved.

The risks of being too visible

It may seem harmless, but publicly available data can open doors to fraud, impersonation, and harassment. A 2024 report by cybersecurity firm Recorded Future found that threat actors increasingly use people-search sites to target both public figures and private citizens.

Even everyday activities—buying a house, registering to vote, or signing up for a credit card—feed public records that data brokers mine and resell. Profiles often include hundreds of data points, including family links, car details, and location history.

As Rob Shavell, CEO of data-removal service DeleteMe, puts it, “In 2023, we would find about 300 pieces of someone’s personally identifiable information out there. Now there are over 600.”

Start by finding out what’s already out there

Google’s tool is a good starting point. Accessible via myactivity.google.com, the Results About You section shows search results containing your personal data. From there, users can request removal from Google’s listings.

To dig deeper, free reports from services like DeleteMe and Optery offer more comprehensive scans of people-search sites. These reports show just how much information is accessible to anyone who searches for you online.

Opting out manually takes time—and caution

Removing your data from these databases is possible—but time-consuming. Each people-search site has its own opt-out process, and there are hundreds of them. Some sites even ask for more personal information during removal, so it’s crucial to share only what they already have. Mask ID numbers in documents and use burner emails and phone numbers to maintain anonymity.

If that sounds overwhelming, automation services offer relief. Optery offers plans starting at $4 a month and can remove your data from over 300 sites. Within two days, users receive confirmation that profiles have been taken down from dozens of platforms.

DeleteMe, a veteran in the space, provides a $129 annual plan. Its report includes removal timelines for about 80 sites and keeps scanning every three months. It also offers disposable email addresses and phone numbers to minimize future exposure.

Aura, starting at $120 per year, goes further by bundling personal data removal with antivirus software and identity theft insurance—ideal for families needing wider protection.

Why you’ll have to keep doing it

Opting out isn’t permanent. In states like California, companies must comply with removal requests within 45 days, thanks to privacy laws. But in most states, protections are weaker or non-existent. Data often reappears when brokers update records or purchase new information from third parties.

“You’re never completely erased,” says Optery founder Lawrence Gentilello. Even paid services can’t promise permanent removal—only ongoing monitoring.

How to stay under the radar

While total invisibility is unrealistic unless you live off the grid, you can limit your exposure. Here’s how:

• Revisit opt-out requests every few months.
• Use burner emails and temporary phone numbers for sign-ups.
• Avoid posting personal information on public social media.
• Turn on Do Not Track settings on browsers and phones.
• Consider using a fake birth date when privacy isn’t crucial (but remember what you used).