Google Tracks Searches for Government IDs

Google has expanded its “Results about you” tool to allow users to monitor and request removal of search results containing government-issued identification. This includes sensitive documents such as passports, driving licences, and Social Security numbers. Previously, the tool only tracked personal information like phone numbers and home addresses, but the latest update adds a new layer of protection for more sensitive data.

The tool now enables users to add government ID numbers to their monitoring profile. Once a number is added, Google automatically scans search results and alerts users if any matches are found. This update builds on a tool that has already been used by over 10 million people to track how their personal information appears online.

To use the feature, users can access it through the Google app by selecting their account photo and choosing “Results about you,” or by visiting goo.gle/resultsaboutyou. New users need to complete a setup process that includes adding contact information before they can add ID numbers, while existing users can add IDs directly.

Google has emphasised that submitted ID numbers are protected using its security protocols and encryption standards, ensuring that the sensitive information is handled safely. The rollout begins in the United States over the coming days, with plans to extend the feature to other regions in the near future.

The significance of this update lies in the long-term risk posed by exposed government IDs. Unlike a phone number or email address, which can be changed, government IDs such as passports and Social Security numbers are permanently tied to an individual’s identity. This makes it especially important to remove such information from publicly accessible search results as quickly as possible.

This expansion is the latest stage in Google’s incremental development of the tool. Since its inception in 2022 as a manual removal request form, “Results about you” has evolved into a proactive system with automated alerts introduced in 2025. By adding government IDs, Google continues to broaden the scope of personal information users can monitor.

Pages containing government ID numbers are now likely to see more removal requests. This includes websites that aggregate public records, legal documents, or other data broker content, as more users become aware of the tool and the new monitoring capabilities.

It is important to note that removing information from Google Search does not remove it from the web entirely. If a government ID appears on a third-party site, users will need to contact that website directly to request a full removal of the content.

The update reflects a growing recognition of the dangers posed by online exposure of sensitive personal data. With identity theft and fraud on the rise, having a system that can automatically detect and alert users to the presence of government IDs is a major step forward in protecting personal information online.

Google’s “Results about you” tool now allows users to take a more proactive role in monitoring their identity. By including government IDs, the platform gives individuals an additional layer of security and peace of mind that their most sensitive information is being watched for public exposure.

Security experts have noted that this approach could significantly reduce the risk of identity fraud by making it easier for individuals to detect when their government-issued IDs appear in search results and respond quickly.

The new feature also highlights the importance of online reputation management. Users who frequently have personal data exposed across multiple websites can now consolidate their monitoring efforts in one place, streamlining the process of safeguarding their digital identity.

While the rollout starts in the U.S., Google has stated that it is working to make the feature available in additional regions, meaning more users worldwide will eventually benefit from the expanded monitoring.

The tool’s proactive alerts, combined with the option to request removal, represent a shift from reactive to preventive personal data management, giving users greater control over how their information is represented online.

In conclusion, Google’s expansion of “Results about you” to include government-issued IDs strengthens its mission to help users protect their sensitive information. While it does not remove the need to contact third-party sites directly, it provides an essential layer of protection and awareness, helping users mitigate potential risks before they escalate.