eSAFETY GUIDE
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Google

13+
to register a Google account
13+ to register a Google account

What is Google?

Google is an internet search engine that uses a proprietary algorithm to rank and order search results in terms of their relevance to users and their dependability as data sources. Its stated mission is to ‘organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful’. Google’s dominance is also signified by the use of ‘google’ as a verb, meaning to search for something online. Google allows users to search for a range of media including websites, images, video and locations using Google Maps. Google also lets you search by speaking rather than typing using 'voice search'. You can sign up for a Google account to use products and services. The search engine features advertising.

Website: google.com.auExternal link[https://www.google.com.au/]
Apps: Android appExternal link[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox&hl=en,], Apple iOS appExternal link[https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/google/id284815942?mt=8%C2%A0]

What is Google used for?

Google is used to search the internet, which means users could be exposed to inappropriate content.

In addition to its search engine, Google also provides an extensive range of free and paid products and services, which incorporate online advertising, cloud computing, software and hardware. To name just a few, these include the Android operating system for smartphones, Google Ads, an advertising network, G Suite, a suite of cloud services for business, Gmail, an email service, Google Docs, an online document creation and sharing service, Google Drive, a cloud storage service, Google Play, an app store, Google News, a personalised news service, and Google Assistant[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/esafety-guide/google-assistant], a virtual assistant.

How can you remove information about yourself from search results, report a problem, use safe search or block sites?

These links are provided by Google:

  • Remove information from GoogleExternal link[https://support.google.com/websearch/troubleshooter/3111061?hl=en] 
    Advice about how to ask Google to remove sensitive personal information.
  • Removal policiesExternal link[https://support.google.com/websearch/topic/9173608?hl=en&ref_topic=3285072] 
    Google’s policies for the removal of images, video and online content from its search engine.
  • Request removal of content from Google's indexExternal link[https://developers.google.com/search/blog/2007/04/requesting-removal-of-content-from-our]
    Request the removal of individual URLs and content from Google's search engine.
  • Report a problem with Google searchExternal link[https://support.google.com/websearch/troubleshooter/3111061?hl=en] 
    Send feedback to Google about search results.
  • Search HelpExternal link[https://support.google.com/websearch/?visit_id=636867514853803196-1994841901&hl=en-AU&rd=2#topic=3036131] 
    Help and support using Google Search.
  • Safe searchExternal link[https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/510?hl=en-AU&ref_topic=9255574] 
    How to use Google SafeSearch to filter out explicit search results.
  • Block adult sitesExternal link[https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/186669?hl=en-AU&ref_topic=9255574] 
    How to block adult sites at your school, home or workplace.

How can you protect your personal information?

These links are provided by Google:

These links are provided by Google:

Last updated: 05/06/2024

The eSafety Guide helps you find out how to protect your personal information and report harmful content on common social media, games, apps and sites. Entries are for information only and are not reviews or endorsements by eSafety. Before choosing to use any online service or platform it’s best to:

  • do your own research to understand the risks and benefits
  • check the age rating and requirements
  • consider privacy
  • check the permissions and other settings
  • check the in-app reporting options.

If you are a parent or carer who is deciding whether a child should be allowed to use an online service or platform, you can also:

  • consider your child's readiness for the types of content and experiences they might encounter
  • help them understand what to do if they need help
  • provide ongoing support and monitoring, for example through regular check-ins with your child
  • agree to some rules about use of each service or platform.

To find out more, you can read the App checklist for parentsExternal link, as well as information about parental controls in social media, games and appsExternal link and mental wellbeing resources for familiesExternal link.