This wikiHow teaches you how to remove unwanted Google search results for your name from the internet. While Google doesn't usually remove on-demand search results, there are things you can do to remove the content itself from the posted page. You can also use Google's legacy content tool to remove archived versions of previously removed content from search results.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Using Common Practices
Step 1. Know what it is about you
Whether it's self-search, self-search, vanity search, or ego-googling, it's a good idea to check yourself from time to time, especially if you're starting a new career or trying to build a relationship from scratch.
- Look up your full name, with or without a middle name, as well as your surname, any nicknames and aliases you have, and any other name variations you can think of.
- For example, if you regularly leave comments on political blogs under the alias "SurelyTrue", Google the name, then Google "SurelyTrue" and "Your real name" complete with quotes. This trick will force search engines to return specific results that use both words to see if the two names can be linked.
Step 2. Understand Google's policies regarding content removal
Google displays links to content, but does not host the content itself; that is, Google rarely removes legal (though controversial) content from search results unless it meets at least one of the following conditions:
- The person or company that hosts the site containing the related content (commonly referred to as the "webmaster") removes the content from the site itself.
- Content is proven to be defamatory, inaccurate, or infringing on privacy to the point of being destructive, or falls within a legal “grey” area.
Step 3. Determine whether the related information is worth deleting
If your information is technically legal to host, Google will not delete it for you; You should contact masterweb directly to ask it to remove the related information.
If the related information only embarrass you, it may be that the effort to request removal of the content is not worth the effort
Step 4. Ask a friend to delete the post for you
If the content you want to remove is posted by a friend, contact him or her and ask to remove it.
Again, you should contact the site's masterweb to remove any hostile content that you can't remove
Step 5. Modify existing content
For content you can control, such as a Facebook page or Twitter tweet, change the linked page in Google results.
You can do this by following the link from the search results itself, logging in when prompted, and then deleting or editing the related post. Be aware that sites like Facebook show an edit history so people can still see how old, unedited versions of the page looked
Step 6. Remove dead accounts
While old accounts may not contain embarrassing information, we recommend deleting accounts you no longer use.
- For example, if you have a Myspace page from two decades ago, it's best to close it so that old information doesn't come back to haunt you.
- Even if you don't delete the entire account, it's a good idea to get rid of the old posts of the account. Facebook's "On This Day" feature makes your job easier, while other social media forces you to scroll down to show posts.
Step 7. Be proactive
Google can't track what's hidden, and what you don't share isn't identifiable. Be very selective about when, where and with whom you share personal information any.
- This is especially true in forums or online games.
- For professional or commercial accounts such as cable television or Netflix, we recommend that your username be abbreviated.
- Use this technique when prompted to enter a name in a public location that Google can find and index. You can't stop it from finding you, but you can prevent it from pointing to you actually.
Step 8. Bury the content you don't want to be found
Submit posts to multiple sites with names that generate unwanted content. Your offensive content will eventually be taken down from Google pages, or even to the second and third pages.
This method is not guaranteed to work right away, but the results can be seen after a while if you continue to post on other sites while ignoring the site whose content you want to hide
Part 2 of 3: Contacting Masterweb
Step 1. Go to the Whois site
Go to https://www.whois.com/ in your computer's web browser. This site lets you know who to contact regarding a particular site.
Step 2. Look for the site
Type the address of the site (eg www.website.com) into the search bar in the upper-right corner of the page, then click WHOIS to the right of the text box.
Step 3. Scroll down until you find the heading " ADMINISTRATIVE CONTACT"
You'll find it near the center of the page. This title is at the top of the box containing information about masterweb, including an email address where you can be contacted.
Step 4. Review the "Email" heading
You will see the email address to the right of the " Email " heading; Use this address to make a request.
Step 5. Email masterweb
Open a new email window from the email account you want to use to send the request email, then type the address in the " Email " heading into the " To " box. (to).
Step 6. Write the request in a professional manner
In the body text box of the email, make a polite request to masterweb to remove the post from its site.
- Your request should be brief. For example, you could send "Hello, I saw your post regarding [content about you] on [date]. I want you to remove it from the site for [reason for removal of content]. Dear Sirs, [Name].”
- If the related post is illegal, you don't need to be polite and immediately explain the illegality of the related post. However, for this you should contact a lawyer.
- Never threaten legal action if the content you want to remove is not illegal to post.
Step 7. Send an email
After you've reviewed and confirmed the content of the email, send it to masterweb. You will likely receive an answer within a few days to a few weeks.
Step 8. Wait for a response or action
This step is very dependent on the site itself. If the site is large enough, you may not receive emails, or receive automated emails. In this case, simply check the site after a few days to see if the content has been removed.
Part 3 of 3: Deleting Archived Information
Step 1. Understand how this method works
If the content you want to remove has been removed from your site, but still appears in Google search results, you can ask Google to remove the content from its archives.
- Google typically shows archived versions of content for several weeks after the content is gone.
- This method will not work if masterweb has not removed the content from the site.
Step 2. Search for related information via Google search engine
You need to do this to find links to content.
Step 3. Find the information link
Browse Google search results until you find the link to the content you want to remove.
If you're looking for a photo link, click the label Images and find related photos. Then, click on the photo.
Step 4. Copy the link address
Right-click the link (or photo), then click Copy Link Address in the drop-down menu that appears. Don't click Copy Link, because this option will not give Google the right link.
- If the mouse doesn't have a right-click button, click the right side of the mouse, or use two fingers to click the mouse.
- If your computer uses a trackpad instead of a mouse, use two fingers to tap the trackpad or press the lower-right corner of the trackpad.
Step 5. Open the “Remove outdated content” tool
Go to https://www.google.com/webmasters/tools/removals?pli=1 in your computer's web browser. This form allows you to direct Google to the archived link that you want to remove.
Step 6. Paste the link
Click the " Example URL " text box near the bottom of the page, then press Ctrl+V (Windows) or Command+V (Mac).
Step 7. Click REQUEST REMOVAL
This button is red to the right of the text box. This step will send a link to Google for authentication.
Step 8. Follow all additional instructions
Once Google confirms that the link content has been removed, you will need to fill out a form or answer a few questions to complete the process.
This step will vary depending on the content itself
Tips
- You can use the "Removing Content from Google" form to request the removal of inappropriate or illegal content even if it is not related to you.
- If there is someone else with the same name as you and you are worried that he will ruin your reputation, or you fail to remove the link that points to your name, it is a good idea to use a middle initial or include a middle name, whether online or on a resume.
- Consider using a pen name (or nickname) when posting content online. This will prevent real-name related information from appearing in online search engines.
- Some employers will include the employee's name and photo on their website. Ask him to use some of your names or nicknames on the site. If you are resigning, ask him to update the site so that your information is no longer there.
- Apart from not using your full name online, you also need to keep your work and personal email separate. Recruiters can search your email address once they find your name.
Warning
- If something is already on the internet, usually related information is stored in many places so that it can be said to be eternal. The best way to prevent it is to avoid it in the first place; If the posted content isn't something your boss deserves to see, don't post it on a public platform.
- There is no one way to remove all content from search engines.
