Google is testing new profile cards that allow you to add yourself to search results

Google is testing a new user-created public profile system called “People Maps”, which allows users to create their own profile (including their job, links to their social media platforms, a short bio, and more) that will appear directly in Google search results. It is similar to how celebrities and companies already appear. The new maps are only being tested in India to get started.

To set up a new people map, simply search for the phrase “add me to search” while signed in to your Google Account. From there, Google takes you to a new page that allows you to create the map. The only required fields are name, occupation, location and an “about” bio, although you can also add information about your education, place of residence, links to your website and other social media, and even your email and phone number (should you feel should place them comfortably on a publicly accessible Google search).

Image: Google

Of course, with a system that allows anyone to create a result that will appear in Google searches for the hundreds of millions of customers who trust the service every day, there is a great potential for abuse here. It is easy to imagine trolls or harassers making fake cards that appear every time someone searches for your name or uses your people card to give out sensitive information such as your address, email or phone number.

In addition, Google says it has a “number of mechanisms” to prevent spam and misuse of the card system. Each Google Account is only allowed to create a single people card and must have verified their account with a phone number before they can create the card. Google marks your maps with bad information that you think was created by an email, and users can delete and edit their maps as they wish.

Google’s human map search is rolling out in India today; Google has yet to say if or when the feature will reach other regions.