(Eagle News) — Google is now allowing people to remove their personal contact information such as phone numbers, physical addresses, and email addresses from its search results.

“But the internet is always evolving,” said Michelle Chang, Global Policy Lead for Search at Google, in a a blog post about the new policy. “With information popping up in unexpected places and being used in new ways — so our policies and protections need to evolve, too.”

The tech giant said it is also making the change to protect users from “unwanted direct contact or even physical harm.” This includes doxxing, which refers to sharing personal information publicly with malicious intent to encourage online harassment.

The change comes amid a surge in online fraud such as scams, romantic swindles, identity theft, and telephone solicitations.

The Federal Trade Commission even reported that consumers lost $5.8 billion to scammers last year, a jump of 70% from the previous year.

Click https://support.google.com/websearch/troubleshooter/3111061?hl=en to view Google’s set of new policies and instructions to remove personal information from Google.

(Eagle News Service)