Warning- Google has your # and address

My friend just e-mailed me this - my number is not on it (cuz we are not listed) but many of my friends' numbers are:

I'm not sure if anyone here is aware, but I was just alerted to something you may want to take note of. Google (one of the most popular internet search engines) has recently added a feature to their service that makes it possible to type a telephone number into their search bar, click the search button, and have a MapQuest page returned as a result. Any person wishing to discover the physical location of a phone number, be it a home or business address, could receive explicit directions on how to get there from anywhere in the country. One positive use of this feature could be to determine the location of any party for whom you may only have a phone number. On a negative note, this feature could also be used by an angry party to find out where you live. Google has an option to remove your telephone number from the database that is linked to the mapping feature. You will first need to check if your number is listed in this manner by going to http://www.google.com/ and enter your full telephone number separated by dashes (example: 202-555-1212). If the number appears in the mapping database, an icon resembling a telephone will appear. Clicking on this icon will take you to a page containing a description of the service, and a link to request your number be removed from the database. It's a little frightening how accurate the maps are and how much information is so readily available, given something as simple as your home phone number. Please share this with family and friends.

thank you so much for posting this! i wouldn't have known about it.

Right to privacy has gone a long way since 1776! That's ridiculous. I better not be on it.

Just type the number in the search box?

A long time ago someone sent me alink where you can type in a name and get their SOCIAL SECURITY #. I can't find the email or the site, but beware - there is lots of info out there and it could def. fall into the wrong hands

There's one that list your date of birth and address, but I cant remember which one.

Also, the difference between being listed with phone company is that when you call 411 and give them a phone number or address, they refuse to give you the person's name. And I dont think they give you an address unless you have their name.

Sandy, just put in your phone number (with dashes)in the google search box as if youre searching for a regular topic- if there are no search results, then you are ok.