Username Appears in Google Search Results

L[Deactivated] on 24/05/2021 - 02:39

Occasionally I Google my various usernames, emails, phone numbers etc. to make sure that nothing fishy appears in any search results which would be traceable back to myself.

Recently when searching the prefix of my primary email address, I found that my OzBargain username appears in the results, as the email prefix matched my username almost identically. I have now changed my username, however the Google search results still link to my current OzBargain user page, despite not mentioning my old username anywhere.

I was wondering if anyone has any ideas on how to remove a listing from Google search results, or any tips on how I could go about improving this situation? I would prefer if searches of any usernames which can be easily traced back to myself did not show any relevant results. Thanks!

Site Discussion

closed Comments

  • geekcohen on 24/05/2021 - 06:15
    +1

    Only the OzBargain owner can submit the details for removal from Google Search results. You, as a member of the general public, can not do that.

    Only the owner who has the site verified via Google Search Console can submit the URL for removal.

  • [Deactivated] on 24/05/2021 - 10:04
    +2

    delete your ozbargain account, that way it won't link in

  • Cheaplikethebird on 24/05/2021 - 10:09
    +3

    This just in, things that exist on the internet are searchable by google!

    Imagine all the people searching 'paftdunk99' then taking the time to browse through your comment history, scary when you think about it.

  • Ryanek on 24/05/2021 - 10:12
    +2

    I feel there is more to this story. I am intrigued.

  • Puglife on 24/05/2021 - 11:23
    +6

    I looked up your username and was surprised to find it went all the way "around the world".
    Hopefully this lesson will make you harder, faster, better and stronger in the future…

    • Cheaplikethebird on 24/05/2021 - 11:23

      Everyone makes mistakes, we're only human after all.

  • dtxau on 24/05/2021 - 11:33
    +2

    Hi paftdunk99, you know that by posting, people would be intrigued and google your username? Even if you get the listing removed, Google may have cached some older pages which would have your old username.

    Cheers,
    (mod: edited private information)

  • Moderatorhamza23 on 24/05/2021 - 15:49

    Eventually Google will reindex that page and forget that your previous username is a keyword for that page. It can take some time for Google to do that. Deleting your OzBargain account, changing your email address etc. will not fix the issue. Nor will you be able to create another OzBargain account if you do that.

    Scotty has also requested a reindex from the Google Search Console, hopefully that will speed it up.

    The OP has also asked to remove the thread, so I'll close off comments.

    OP if you need help or wish to discuss it further, please use the private Talk with a Moderator forum.

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