How to Remove Content from Google Search

Step-by-step guide to removing your content from Google search results.

Overview

Google provides several tools for removing content from search results:

• DMCA Takedown: For copyrighted content
• Personal Content Removal: For explicit images shared without consent

Before You Start

You'll need:

• A Google account
• The specific links showing in search results
• Evidence you own the content

WARNING

This only removes content from Google search - not from the website itself. Contact the hosting site separately.

Method 1: DMCA Takedown (Recommended)

Step 1: Access the Tool

Go to Google's DMCA Removal Tool

Step 2: Sign In

Sign in with your Google account.

Step 3: Create New Request

Click "Create a new notice"

Step 4: Fill Out the Form

Contact Information

• Your legal name
• Company name (if applicable)
• Email address

Describe the Copyrighted Work

• Link to your original content (if online)
• Description of the work
• Date you created it

Infringing Content

• Enter each Google search link or the specific page links
• Be as specific as possible

Statements

• Check the required boxes for good faith and accuracy statements
• Sign electronically

Step 5: Submit

Review and submit your request.

Expected Timeline

Status	Timeline
Acknowledgment	Within 24 hours
Review	1-3 business days
Removal	24-72 hours after approval

Method 2: Personal Content Removal

For explicit images shared without your consent, Google has a special process.

Step 1: Access the Form

Go to Google's Content Removal Request

Step 2: Select Category

Choose "I want to remove personal content I see in Google Search"

Step 3: Follow the Prompts

Select:

• "Explicit personal images"
• "Non-consensual explicit or intimate personal images"

Step 4: Complete the Form

Provide:

• Your contact information
• Links to the search results
• Any additional context

Method 3: Outdated Content Removal

If content has been removed from a site but still shows in Google:

1. Go to Google's Outdated Content Tool
2. Enter the link
3. Google will re-crawl and update their index

Tracking Your Request

Check Status

1. Go to Legal Removal Dashboard
2. Sign in with the same account
3. View status of all requests

Status Meanings

Status	Meaning
Pending	Under review
Approved	Content will be removed
Denied	Doesn't meet criteria
Removed	Successfully delisted

If Your Request is Denied

Common reasons for denial:

• Not copyright infringement
• Missing required information
• Links not specific enough

You can:

1. Appeal with additional information
2. Submit a new, more detailed request
3. Consult with a legal professional

Tips for Success

Be Specific

Include exact page links, not just domain names. Google needs to know exactly which pages to remove.

Multiple Links

If content appears on multiple pages, submit all links in one request.

Follow Up

If content isn't removed within a week, submit a new request or contact Google support.

Next Steps

• Bing Removal - Remove from Bing search
• Writing a Takedown Notice - For contacting websites directly