How much do you want the Internet to know?

Phone numbers are still the primary way most of us keep in contact. Handing over a number and an e-mail address is something we do automatically, sometimes without considering how that information will be used. Google has brought those considerations into the spotlight with aspects of their recently de-betad local search functions. Now, if a number is listed in traditional phone directories, a Google search will now bring up a map detailing its physical location.

This is a fantastic feature for businesses that are often oblivious to good maps and directions. Mapquest and Yahoo! will get you somewhere far more efficiently than an office consensus as to which exit to take. Keep in mind though that for residential users it will work just as well. Someone acting without caution could give away very personal details to an individual or organization who could then use the information for malicious or fraudulent means.

It’s extremely easy to remove phone numbers and maps if necessary. Type it in, see the address, be annoyed, click on the phone number and fill out Google’s form. After 48 hours, the link is removed. Currently this feature only appears to work for US information. Attempts with UK numbers only brought up upcdatatabase.com.

Article of the future over at Investor’s Daily.

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More on local search.