Google expands Search removals for personal IDs as scrutiny grows over government data demands

Google is expanding its Search “Results about you” removal tools to let users request takedowns of additional sensitive content appearing in search results, including government-issued IDs (e.g., passport, driver’s license, and Social Security number) and explicit images. The feature is rolling out in the US first and requires users to provide the same categories of personal data to Google so it can proactively scan for matches and notify users when the information appears, enabling a removal request.

Separately, reporting said Google provided personal, account, and financial metadata about a student journalist to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in response to an administrative subpoena that was not judge-approved and reportedly included a gag order. The disclosed data allegedly included usernames, physical addresses, IP addresses, phone numbers, subscriber identifiers, and linked payment details (credit card and bank account numbers), highlighting how administrative subpoenas can be used to obtain identifying information from tech providers even when they cannot compel disclosure of content like emails or search history.