Are you tired of your personal information being available on search engines? Let’s be honest. Who isn’t? Well, now Google is updating its privacy tool to make it more powerful and easier than ever to remove your personal information from their search engine.  

Google's 'Results about You' tool was rolled out last year. Google says it's been working hard to make things better since it first launched its software.  

It launched with the intention of allowing people to request the removal of personal information that pops up during Google searches. Personal information can include a phone number, email address, physical address or even unwanted images.   

Now, it is not possible to block your name on Google, or any other search engine such as Bing or Yahoo. However, you can request the removal of Google search results that divulge your personal information. 

CLICK TO GET KURT’S FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH SECURITY ALERTS, QUICK TIPS, TECH REVIEWS AND EASY HOW-TO’S TO MAKE YOU SMARTER 

Easily remove your personal information from Google  

The biggest change is that now you can find your information on Google without going through the hassle of searching for it yourself.  

You simply enter your information, and the dashboard will compile a list of sites that contain any matches. You can then submit a request to have the information removed pronto after reviewing these pages. On Google’s hub, you can view the status of all the requests you have made. 

Stay up-to-date with Google’s new push notifications for personal information 

Another addition is you can now receive push notifications that alert you when new results of your information pop up on Google. This makes it much easier for you as you don’t have to constantly reenter your information in the dashboard to check for matches.  

These notifications will tell how many search results on the internet show your personal information. You can then take action on this information and request that the details be taken off the internet.

Expanded removal guidelines 

BEST PRIVATE AND SAFE ALTERNATIVES TO BIG TECH GOOGLE

Google’s policies around the "results about you" feature have also shifted slightly. The removal guidelines used to only focus on information that was posted without consent. Now, they have been expanded, and personal info that you posted intentionally but later wanted to be removed is eligible for removal.  

Commercialized information does not fall under this category. However, there are some search results Google will not be able to remove, so be aware not all your requests will be successful. Google also will never take action against any results from governments or educational institutions.  

New parental control feature & SafeSearch's photo blurring 

There are also new, easier-to-find parental control features and the addition of SafeSearch’s photo blurring, which will blur out potentially explicit images. If you are panic about your family being exposed to inappropriate content, you can now preemptively censor certain things.  

How to request Google to remove your personal information without an account 

TEN TRICKS FOR DOING AN EFFECTIVE GOOGLE SEARCH 

Here's the best part. You don’t even need a Google account to get rid of your own info. There’s a new form you can use all on its own to make your request. Once you send it off, Google will shoot you an email so you can keep tabs on how things are going. You’ll know if they give the green light to remove your info. If you do decide to log in, you can also see the progress on the dashboard. 

How to access Google’s ‘Results about you’ dashboard with an account  

Currently, this feature in Google’s "Results about you" dashboard is only available for usage in the U.S. via the Google app or Google site. Here's how to access it: 

Access through the Google App 

• Click on the Google App.
• Tap on your profile picture in the top-right corner.
• Then scroll down and select ‘Results about you’ from the menu. Familiarize yourself with the steps you need to take to remove your personal info on Google.
• Then at the top of the page, search your name or whatever other information you want to be removed.

BIG TECH TOOK YOUR DATA TO TRAIN AI. WE'RE SUING THEM FOR IT

• Click on three dots next to the search result in which you want to be removed.
• Select Remove result on the top of the page and then select whichever reason you have for removing the result.
• Enter the details asked so Google can see whether your request matches with the result, then select Continue at the bottom.
• Finally, click Send request.
• Google will contact you when it's checked your request, letting you know whether it has been approved or denied. You can also view your current requests by checking your "results about you" dashboard.

Access through Google's site 

You can click on the link here. You can follow these steps to submit a request to remove any of your information from the web: 

• Go to Google Search .
• Search your name or whatever other information you want to be removed.
• Click on three dots next to the search result in you want to be removed.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

• Select Remove result on the top of the page and then select whichever reason you have for removing the result.

• Enter the details asked so Google can see whether your request matches with the result, then select Continue at the bottom.

• Finally, click Send request.

• Google will contact you when it's checked your request, letting you know whether it has been approved or denied. You can also view your current requests by checking your "results about you" dashboard.

MORE: SAY HELLO TO GOOGLE WALLET'S 6 AMAZING NEW FEATURES FOR ANDROID PHONES 

Invest in removal services 

In addition to Google's "Results about you" tool, I recommend you invest in a removal service to get your personal information off the hundreds of people search sites out there. While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time.

See my tips and best picks for removing yourself from the internet by going to CyberGuy.com/Delete

Kurt’s key takeaways

It is great to see Google making an effort to increase the safety of its search experience. While removal was possible before, it certainly was not easy.

This is an improved update to their 'Results about You' tool along with the new alerts warning you of your information appearing on the web. It is important to remember that just because your information has been removed from Google, it doesn’t mean all of your information is removed from other parts of the web.

Why do you think Google is making this move to make internet safety more accessible? And do you see this as the start of a potential trend with other engines and sites? Let us know by writing us at CyberGuy.com/Contact 

For more of my security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to CyberGuy.com/Newsletter

Copyright 2023 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Two leading tech providers, Nokia and RouteThis Inc, have unveiled services that address growing in-home Wi-Fi connectivity issues and create, and potentially monetise, better broadband experiences.

Nokia has launched Corteca, an end-to-end home connectivity offering for broadband devices, which simultaneously runs in the home and in the cloud, allowing operators to enhance customer experiences, generate new revenues and reduce operational costs.

The service is designed to address what the comms tech provider said are growing in-home Wi-Fi connectivity issues by providing a combination of advanced Wi-Fi performance and devices in the home.

It said that while service providers are bringing multi-gigabit speeds to the home, more than 40% of households are reporting issues with in-home connectivity. In addition, it said operators remain challenged by today’s in-home Wi-Fi offerings, plagued by complex installation processes, limited interoperability, inconsistent coverage and dead zones that lead to frustrated subscribers.

Commenting on these challenges, Michael Philpott, research director of digital consumer services at research firm Omdia, said: “Providing an unparalleled broadband user experience in the home has long been a challenge that operators continue to grapple with today. Navigating the complex terrain of single Wi-Fi interfaces, device compatibility and user behaviour requires a harmonious symphony of technical expertise and customer-centric solutions. Having the ability to both manage the devices in the home and deliver value applications that can be targeted to each unique customer can be a game changer for operators seeking to drive enhanced user experiences and generate additional revenue.”

Corteca is said to surmount these challenges, providing a combination of advanced Wi-Fi performance and devices in the home along with effective customer support tools and proactive monitoring in the cloud.

The Corteca home connectivity software consists of three elements encompassing cloud, applications and device software. Corteca Cloud is an intelligent controller with a “single pane of glass” interface to manage both home Wi-Fi networks and network-wide broadband device deployments. Corteca Applications supports a marketplace with value-added options so service providers can generate new sources of revenue, while Corteca Device Software powers Nokia’s line-up of broadband devices for fibre, fixed wireless access (FWA) gateways and mesh Wi-Fi beacons.

In exact trials, Nokia said that with Corteca it has increased peak Wi-Fi throughput by 70% and reduced average handling time of helpdesk calls by 50%.

For its part, RouteThis Inc announced that Kinetic by Windstream has selected its RouteThis Certify platform to enable the highest quality of experience (QoE) across the rapidly expanding fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) install base. The software is designed to guide Kinetic technicians to install an optimised Wi-Fi network, delivering “flawless” wireless connectivity in every device, in every room, from day one.

Kinetic by Windstream said the customer experience begins with a “seamless installation”, and is said to have chosen RouteThis Certify for all new home network installations, as well as support visits, to optimise Wi-Fi connectivity for peak QoE, thereby improving overall customer satisfaction, decreasing churn and reducing repeat truck rolls.

“Working with RouteThis provides us greater reliability, visibility and consistency in our home Wi-Fi network installation and support processes to ensure that all of our customers receive the speed, reliability and security they need,” said Barry Bishop, senior vice-president of field operations at Kinetic by Windstream. “The Certify platform empowers our field technicians with the tools they need to deliver exceptional high-speed internet, without exceptions.”

Kinetic by Windstream selected RouteThis Certify following a month-long field trial that is said to have resulted in a 25% reduction in repeat truck rolls during the first week alone. Additionally, the platform’s visual performance features provided technicians with data that expands opportunities for additional services, including mesh network upgrades, that aid in delivering the best possible customer experience.

The Nokia Go is part of the Fitness trackers test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, Fitness trackers models like the Go are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.

Ease of use A composite score of ergonomics, ease of interaction, syncing, pairing, and readability of the display in bright light, and low light.

Step count accuracy How accurately did the fitness tracker count our testers actual steps.

Heart-rate monitor accuracy How accurately did the fitness tracker measure our testers actual heart rate.

The Nokia Steel HR is part of the Fitness trackers test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, Fitness trackers models like the Steel HR are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.

Ease of use A composite score of ergonomics, ease of interaction, syncing, pairing, and readability of the display in bright light, and low light.

Step count accuracy How accurately did the fitness tracker count our testers actual steps.

Heart-rate monitor accuracy How accurately did the fitness tracker measure our testers actual heart rate.

Nokia has quietly launched a couple of feature phones. The Finnish brand recently refreshed its lineup of inexpensive basic phones with the Nokia 150 and Nokia 130. Both of these are modernized versions of existing handsets with the same name.

The Nokia 150 first debuted in 2016. The company released another Nokia 150 in 2020. The 2023 model now brings a modern design with all the basic specs you’d expect from a feature phone. It sports a 2.4-inch QVGA display and an old-school keypad. The Nokia branding is prominent under the display while the top earpiece is huge too.

On the back, we have a speaker, a 0.3MP VGA camera, and an LED flash unit. A second Nokia branding can also be seen on the back plate, which is removable. Under it, we have a 1450mAh removable battery with a rated standby time of 30 days and a talk time of 20 hours. Nokia has included a micro-USB port for charging the battery.

Other highlights of the Nokia 150 (2023) include MicroSD card support up to 32GB, 3.5mm headphone jack, MP3 player, voice recorder, FM Radio (wired & wireless modes), and single mini-SIM support with GSM network connectivity (2G). The device has a polycarbonate with nano texture and boasts an IP52 rating for dust and water resistance. The whole package weighs 106.3 grams and measures 130.95 x 50.6 x 15.15 mm in dimension.

The Nokia 130, which is also the third model with the same name (the previous two came in 2014 and 2017), shares most of the specs with the Nokia 150. The only notable difference is the lack of a camera. Despite that, Nokia has included an LED flash here to serve as a torch. It has a more simplistic design and is a little thinner (14mm) too. This model also retains the IP52 rating for dust and water resistance. The company also tells us that the Nokia 130 has 4MP of internal storage and 4MB RAM.

Nokia has already listed the Nokia 150 and Nokia 130 on its official website. However, the company hasn’t revealed the prices of the new features phones, nor has it shared availability details. The official listings reveal that the former model will be available in Black, Cyan, and Red color variants, while the latter gets Dark Blue, Light Gold, and Purple shades. It’s unclear when Nokia will start selling the duo. If you’re looking to grab one of them, they should be available at an affordable price (probably around $50).

Nokia Corporation
Inside information
14 July 2023 at 08:30 EEST

Inside information: Nokia lowers net sales and narrows operating margin outlook for 2023

• Nokia lowers net sales outlook to EUR 23.2 billion to 24.6 billion from EUR 24.6 billion to EUR 26.2 billion
• Narrows comparable operating margin range to 11.5% to 13% from 11.5% to 14%
• Reports preliminary Q2 financial results of approximately EUR 5.7 billion net sales and 11% comparable operating margin
  

Espoo, Finland – Nokia is today providing an update to its financial guidance for full year 2023. Nokia is lowering its full year net sales outlook to a range of EUR 23.2 billion to EUR 24.6 billion (previously EUR 24.6 billion to 26.2 billion) and narrowing its comparable operating margin range outlook to 11.5% to 13% (previously 11.5% to 14%). The changes are related to Nokia’s Network Infrastructure and Mobile Networks business groups.

The weaker demand outlook in the second half is due to both the macro-economic environment and customers’ inventory digestion. Customer spending plans are increasingly impacted by high inflation and rising interest rates along with some projects now slipping to 2024 – notably in North America. There is also inventory normalization happening at customers after the supply chain challenges of the past two years.

Update to Nokia’s financial outlook for 2023

¹ Assuming the rate 1 EUR = 1.09 USD as of 30 June 2023 continues for the remainder of 2023 along with actual H1 foreign exchange rates (adjusted from prior 1.09 USD rate as of 31 March 2023).

In the second quarter, based on its preliminary financials, Nokia expects to report net sales of approximately EUR 5.7 billion, flat year-on-year on a constant currency basis with a comparable operating margin of approximately 11%. Nokia’s operating profit in Q2 benefitted from approximately EUR 80 million related to catch-up net sales in Nokia Technologies.

Across the group Nokia has been proactively managing costs to protect profitability. As it progresses through this period of uncertainty Nokia will continue to take measures to ensure it remains on track towards its long-term targets of growing faster than the market and delivering a comparable operating margin of at least 14%.

Nokia will release its second quarter and half year 2023 financial results on Thursday 20 July 2023.

Nokia will conduct a conference call with analysts and investors to discuss its second quarter performance and business outlook on 20 July 2023 at 11:30am EEST / 9:30am BST / 4:30am US EST.

About Nokia
At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.

Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

Inquiries:

Nokia Communications
Phone: +358 10 448 4900
Email: press.services@nokia.com
Kaisa Antikainen, Communications Manager

Nokia
Investor Relations
Phone: +358 40 803 4080
Email: investor.relations@nokia.com

Forward-looking statements

Certain statements herein that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect Nokia's current expectations and views of future developments and include statements regarding: A) expectations, plans, benefits or outlook related to our strategies, product launches, growth management, sustainability and other ESG targets, operational key performance indicators and decisions on market exits; B) expectations, plans or benefits related to future performance of our businesses (including the expected impact, timing and duration of potential global pandemics and the general macroeconomic conditions on our businesses, our supply chain and our customers’ businesses) and any future dividends and other distributions of profit; C) expectations and targets regarding financial performance and results of operations, including market share, prices, net sales, income, margins, cash flows, the timing of receivables, operating expenses, provisions, impairments, taxes, currency exchange rates, hedging, investment funds, inflation, product cost reductions, competitiveness, revenue generation in any specific region, and licensing income and payments; D) ability to execute, expectations, plans or benefits related to changes in organizational structure and operating model; E) impact on revenue with respect to litigation/renewal discussions and F) any statements preceded by or including "continue", “believe”, “commit”, “estimate”, “expect”, “aim”, “influence”, "will” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from such statements. These statements are based on management’s best assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to them. These forward-looking statements are only predictions based upon our current expectations and views of future events and developments and are subject to risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. Factors, including risks and uncertainties that could cause these differences, include those risks and uncertainties specified in our 2022 annual report on Form 20-F published on 2 March 2023 under Operating and financial review and prospects-Risk factors.