It is a basic understanding by most people that once something is on the internet, that it is there forever. While in many cases this may be true, it isn’t always the case. When something gets removed from the internet (more specifically Google), it is known as de-indexing. Currently, there are only a few reasons why Google would de-index something (more on that in a bit). Knowing that, we can possibly fix our online reputation by using these reasons in order to de-index negative reviews or webpages. Let’s dive right into the reasons you could have something de-indexed.
Examples
Below, you will find several reasons why and how content can be de-indexed. On a side note, it is essential to remember that you should not rely on de-indexing as the primary means to improve your online reputation. The truth is de-indexing is not done very often. There has to be a specific reason, and complaints do not meet the requirements most of the time. Don’t let that stop you from trying. Remember, the answer will always be “no” if you don’t ask. Without further ado, here are the possible reasons for de-indexing. I will unpack some of the most common types of content that can be removed after the list.
The content that can be removed:
- Copyright infringement
- Bank account numbers
- Sexually explicit imagery posted without consent
- Child abuse images
- Credit card numbers
- Signature images
- Social security numbers
This is just the broad strokes of reasons. Under each of these categories, there is a laundry list of requirements and proof. You cannot merely claim there is a violation without having evidence. Should you have a case for any of the above, along with adequate evidence, you will be de-indexed.
However, even when you have all the proof required, it can be a long and painful process. It is often almost easier to suppress the result rather than getting Google to de-index the listing.
Unpacking
As promised, I will unpack some of the most accessible types of content to get de-indexed. Fair warning, some of this is hard to read about. However, it is something that happens frequently, and you need to know what to do in case you ever come across it.
The first thing I am going to talk about is revenge porn. I am sure that you have heard about the man or woman who felt they were disrespected somehow. They had pictures of their partner in sexually charged situations throughout their relationship and took a few photographs or filmed the encounter. Later, after the relationship ends, they decide to get back at the other person by creating a website, or post, that shares this with others.
This would fall under the third reason for de-indexing. While pornography is wholly allowed on the internet, it is not intended for images or film that the content’s person has not given consent. When I use the word consent, I am talking about the picture’s posting, not the sexual acts they are participating in. That is another story altogether.
Next, I am going to discuss personal data. This is really a difficult topic to get de-indexed. Almost everything that you do on the internet is recorded in some way, shape, or form. For example, if you try to download an application for your mobile device, it will often ask you if they can have some of your information. When you click “ok” you are providing that company with permission to use your information in any way they choose. I am not telling you that you should not download applications or provide them with consent. I am only telling you that you should be wary of applications that want that information. On a side note, most of the applications will ask you for a lot of information, but if you look at what they want, you can limit the amount of data you provide. For example, if you download a game and want access to your name, friends list, email, phone number, and address, I feel that is too much to give them for a game. Usually, you can find a link that says edit. When you click on this link, you can limit it to just your name and profile picture. Making sure you do this will modify the information you provide to that company and give you a leg to stand on if you start using your data.
The last thing I am going to talk about is child abuse imagery. There is hardly a need for this de-indexing request, but just in case you need to know, you can have that removed quickly. There is not much of a need for the claim because Google (along with all their subsidiaries) has web crawlers that are out looking for those images. As soon as it is found, they de-index the page immediately. Google and Twitter have taken a hard stance that these images are not acceptable. In addition to abuse photos, they are looking for child pornography images. It is important to note that if they find these images, they de-index the page; they also compile a file that gets sent to the proper authorities.
Conclusion
De-indexing is a tough thing to do. Google likes to have a lot of content. When that content is fresh, they push it to the top faster. That being said, they do provide tips on how you can get your online reputation ranking higher on their page. They have a list of tips and tricks that do little to no good. So, if you require reputation services, it is best to come to me. I specialize in not only getting links de-indexed whenever possible, but I will suppress the results if it cannot be de-indexed. Additionally, I have a history of keeping the content hid. Other companies will get it off the first page, but it will be back very soon. When I get it concealed, it commonly stays off the first page forever.