In today’s digital world, every click, sign-up, and online interaction leaves a trace. Whether you're buying a home, registering to vote, or signing up for a shopping app, chances are that your personal information is being collected, stored, and resold—often without your knowledge.

With the launch of the updated "Results About You" tool, Google is giving users a sobering look at how much of their personal data is floating online, freely accessible via search engines and people-search sites. The results are both revealing and alarming.

What Is Google’s Results About You Tool?

The tool, available via myactivity.google.com, is designed to identify search results that include your personal information—such as your name, home address, phone number, email ID, birthdate, and even details about your relatives.

Once a user submits their basic details, the tool continuously monitors search results and sends alerts within hours if it spots listings that expose personal data. You can then request removals directly from Google.

⚠️ Important Note: This tool only flags links in Google’s search results—it doesn’t remove the data from the original source websites or data broker databases.

The Real Dangers of Online Data Exposure

It might seem harmless if your name or email pops up on a website, but experts warn of serious risks:

• Identity theft: Fraudsters use exposed data to impersonate individuals.

• Harassment: Public figures and private citizens alike face stalking and intimidation.

• Social engineering scams: Criminals use detailed personal profiles to trick people and companies into handing over even more data.

A 2024 study by Recorded Future noted that cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting people-search websites to target both celebrities and everyday individuals. Over 600 pieces of data can be collected about a single person—double the amount from just a year ago.

How Do These Sites Get Your Information?

Most of the information found on data broker websites comes from public records and online forms, such as:

• Real estate transactions

• Voter registrations

• Utility bills

• Social media profiles

• Marketing databases

Once collected, this data is aggregated, indexed, and sold to advertisers, data brokers, and unfortunately, cybercriminals.

Where Should You Start?

Google’s tool is a good first step, but it doesn’t cover everything. To get a deeper understanding of what’s out there, try these:

• DeleteMe and Optery: These services offer free scans that show you where your data is publicly available.

• Search your name on Google and people-search websites like Whitepages, BeenVerified, and Spokeo.

You’ll be surprised at the depth of detail—everything from old phone numbers to your family tree might be accessible with a simple search.

Manual Opt-Out Process: Tedious But Possible

If you’re doing it yourself, be ready to invest time. Each site has its own opt-out method, and many require identity verification.

Tips for Safe Opt-Outs:

• Only provide the information they already have.

• Mask ID documents. Black out your ID numbers when required.

• Use burner email addresses and temporary phone numbers. Avoid giving your main contact details.

Some sites make the process intentionally difficult—they don’t want you to disappear from their database.

Let Automation Services Do It For You

Given the scale and complexity, automation tools can save time and stress.

✅ Optery

• Starts at ₹330/month (approx $4)

• Scans over 300 sites

• Provides confirmation of removals

• Useful for both individuals and families

✅ DeleteMe

• Costs around ₹10,750/year (approx $129)

• Covers 80+ major data broker sites

• Offers removal timelines and recurring scans every three months

• Comes with burner email and phone tools

✅ Aura

• Starts at ₹10,000/year (approx $120)

• Offers data removal, antivirus, and identity theft insurance

• Ideal for families seeking full-spectrum protection

These tools provide ongoing monitoring, so you’re alerted if your data reappears online—which it often does.

Why It’s a Recurring Task

Unfortunately, data removal is not permanent. Even if you opt out, your information may:

• Reappear when sites update their databases

• Get reacquired through new public records

• Be redistributed to third parties without your consent

Some states like California offer legal protection, mandating that companies respond to data removal requests within 45 days. But India and most regions globally lack comprehensive privacy laws, meaning reappearance is inevitable.

As Optery’s founder, Lawrence Gentilello, notes:

“You’re never completely erased. You just have to keep managing it.”

Best Practices to Minimise Exposure

While living off the grid isn’t practical, these tips can help you stay less searchable:

• ???? Revisit your opt-out requests every few months.

• ???? Use burner emails and temporary phone numbers for online registrations.

• ???? Avoid sharing personal info on public forums and social media.

• ???? Enable Do Not Track features on your web browsers and smartphones.

• ???? Use fake birthdates on non-essential services (just remember what you used).

Final Thoughts: Take Back Control

Google’s Results About You tool is an empowering step for users tired of having their data mined, sold, and misused. But it’s just a starting point.

Whether you choose the DIY route or invest in services like DeleteMe, Optery, or Aura, the key is to stay proactive. Managing your digital footprint is no longer optional—it’s essential in the age of AI scraping, data breaches, and online impersonation.

Take action now. Because if you don’t control your data, someone else will.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Tankup Engineers.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.