Public service announcement

A reader was kind enough to send me the following email. It’s true and I took steps to maintain my privacy:

Google has implemented a new feature which enables you to type a telephone number into the search bar and hit enter, and you will be given the person’s name and address. If you then hit Map, you will get a map to the person’s house. Everyone should be aware of this! It’s a nationwide reverse telephone book.

If a child gives out his/her phone number, someone can now look it up to find out where he/she lives. The safety issues are obvious and alarming.

Note that you can have your phone number removed or blocked. I tried my number and it came up along with the map and directions straight to our house! I did fill out the removal form for myself, and encourage all of you to do the same.

In order to test whether your phone number is mapped, go to Google at www.google.com, type your phone number in the search bar (e.g. 555-555-1212) and press enter. If you want to BLOCK Google from divulging your private information, simply click on your telephone number and then click on the Removal Form. Removal takes 48-hours.

Please share this information with friends and family.