Right to Be Forgotten Lawyer Support
The Right to Be Forgotten (RTBF) under UK GDPR Article 17 allows individuals to request the removal of personal information from search results where the data is outdated, inaccurate, irrelevant, or excessive. But navigating this process — and challenging rejections — often requires legal support.
How Lawyers Can Help
Lawyers who specialise in RTBF requests provide expert guidance at each stage of the process, including:
- Assessing the Case: Reviewing the online content, legal basis, and relevant factors such as public interest and accuracy.
- Building Legal Arguments: Citing applicable laws, case law, and evidence to support removal requests under GDPR Article 17.
- Identifying Data Controllers: Ensuring the request is directed to the correct search engine, website, or third party.
- Platform-Specific Knowledge: Understanding how search engines like Google and Bing assess removal requests, including their internal criteria and refusal wording.
- Gathering Evidence: Supporting the request with proof of outdated or damaging impact — such as employment consequences or reputational harm.
- Smoother Communication: Lawyers may have more structured channels to engage with data controllers or platforms, streamlining correspondence and responses.
Drafting and Enforcement
- Professional Submissions: Preparing well-structured, regulation-compliant requests increases the likelihood of success.
- Regulator Complaints: Lawyers can challenge refusals by escalating to the ICO or relevant supervisory authority, citing legal precedent.
- Court Action (if required): Legal experts can consult or engage regulated solicitors or barristers to seek delisting orders or pursue data breach claims.
Additional Support
- Reputation Defence: RTBF often intersects with defamation, harassment, or breach of privacy. Lawyers can advise on these legal routes too.
- Understanding the Law: Data protection is one of the fastest-evolving legal areas. A legal expert helps navigate the technical requirements and rights.
In short, lawyers who specialise in the Right to Be Forgotten serve as advocates for individuals seeking to regain control over their digital identity. Their support is especially valuable when dealing with complex rejections, repeated refusals, or unclear justifications from data controllers.
Need help enforcing your Right to Be Forgotten?
Internet Erasure can help with every stage of the process — from the initial RTBF request to ICO complaint, and PHSO escalation if needed.
Contact Internet Erasure
We specialise in RTBF complaints, appeals, research and all associated workflow.