Q. I am a victim of a violent crime and the perpetrator is due to be released from prison soon. I'm concerned that Google may facilitate the commission of a crime of vengeance against me or my family. Is there some way to get Google to return null data for such a search as it pertains to me or my husband? While I'm aware that productive searches need not be conducted using Google, it is the de facto standard search engine to an enormous number of people.

A. Google's greatest strength can sometimes bring potential dangers. Employers and dating singles use Google to check on people. So criminals will also use it.

If you feel threatened, then you should talk to local law enforcement. My advice may help, but there may be other precautions you can take outside the digital world.

One factor that determines how easily you can be found through Google is the commonness of your name. The more common the name, the more numerous and difficult Google's results will be for criminals without additional information.

Try to find your own family on Google. First try the names of you and your husband. Then try other information that you do not want others to find. That includes your address and your phone number.


You can request your information be removed from Google Phonebook. The removal page lists other directories that may carry the same information.

Google also provides a few ways to remove Web pages from search results. However, these options are for Web page owners who want private pages removed. If you've given your information freely to other sites, the individual site owners decide whether the information stays.

You can request your information be removed from Google Phonebook. The removal page lists other directories that may carry the same information.

Google also provides a few ways to remove web pages from search results. However, these options are for Web page owners who want private pages removed. If you've given your information freely to other sites, the individual site owners decide whether the information stays.

If you've spotted your information on only a few sites, you may do well contacting the owners. Personal sites often list a contact e-mail address. Business sites may further offer a phone number.

Keep in mind that Google is not the only way to dig up personal information online. There are also sites that offer background checks. They can be used by almost anyone for a fee. And the results are usually compilations of public information from local courts, real estate records or phone records.

Again, talk to local law enforcement. I'm sure that they have dealt with this issue in the past. Best of luck to you. You certainly deserve protection from this criminal.