Google/Privacy Issues.. Please read!

Google has implemented a new feature wherein you can type someone's telephone number into the search bar and hit enter and then you will be given a map to their house.

I tested it by typing my work telephone number in google.com. The phone number came up, and when I clicked on the MapQuest link, it actually mapped out where I work. Quite scary. Please look up your own home number. Read below for details.

Think about it--if a child, single person, ANYONE gives out his/her phone number, someone can actually now look it up to find out where he/she lives.

It's just another privacy issue I have a problem with.

To test whether your phone number is mapped, go to: Google (http://www.google.com/)
Type your phone number in the search bar with or without dashes (i.e. 555-555-1212 or 5555551212) and hit enter.

If you want to BLOCK Google from divulging your private information, simply click on the telephone icon next to your phone number. It takes 48-hours. If you are unlisted in the phone book, you might not be in there, but it is a good idea just to check. I checked my home number, and since it is unlisted, it didn't show up.

Please forward this information on to friends and family that would like to remove this information from google.

Thanks Gen, I did click on the phone icon, so i'll see what happens in a few days.

Actually....

This isn't a new feature...has been around for awhile.

http://www.snopes.com/computer/internet/google.htm

~Dan

Holy Toledo! It didn't have my number but I just moved here 6 months ago. I will keep checking. It had my exhusbands number, address, map the works.

Originally posted by Dan_Shues
Actually....

This isn't a new feature...has been around for awhile.

http://www.snopes.com/computer/internet/google.htm

~Dan

It's new to me. I didn't know about it.. Just found out today since a friend of mine sent me the email. I wonder how many others are also unaware. Either way, I don't like it.

If your name and address and phone number are in a telephone book, it is no different. This feature has been available to perverts almost since the Internet became popular. If you do not want it to show up as public information, have an unlisted phone number. My 2 cents.... :rolleyes:

It did have my listing, but the Mapquest feature had me living downtown.

Some perv is going to be very confused....

This is frightening. It doesn't work for UK phone numbers just yet, but it's sure to catch on. . . .

lol, you WANT people on your door step?


HEY EVERYONE BEER AND PIZZA AT BRIAN'S HOUSE THIS WEEKEND!

TOGA! TOGA! TOGA!

:cool:

Do you think if we all show up he'll show us the jelqing thing? OOPS! Wrong thread!! :D

well call me naive, but i DIDNT know that was possible with a general search:( I, too, clicked that icon....not that it matters if i DONT have an unlisted number....think a call to verizon is on the agenda for tmw...thanks gen.