The Right to be Forgotten in the UK: When it applies and when it doesn’t.
The Right to be Forgotten is a legal right that allows individuals to request the erasure of their data from search engines. It’s a significant part of the UK’s General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and can be a powerful tool for safeguarding and managing your online reputation. However, organisations won’t automatically delete your data. They will evaluate your request against specific criteria and weigh it against the public’s right to access certain information.
Do you have a strong case for removal? View this handy guide for more insights. We’ll show you when the Right to be Forgotten can work in your favour and when it might not, along with real examples of clients Internet Erasure has successfully supported.
How to Achieve Right to be Forgotten Google Removals
Discover everything you need to know about when the Right to be Forgotten applies and when it doesn’t.
Within the GDPR, Do People Have the Right to be Forgotten?
Yes, under Article 17 of the UK GDPR, individuals have the right to request the removal of their personal data, especially when it’s outdated, inaccurate, or no longer necessary for its original purpose. This right is known as the ‘Right to be Forgotten’ or ‘Right to Erasure’ and applies across various organisations, including major online platforms like Google.
Anyone can apply to remove unwanted or damaging search results from search engines, and we even offer a free guide if you’d like to try the process yourself. However, not all requests are granted, especially when they conflict with the public’s right to know. Read on to discover where the Right to be Forgotten has been effective and where it has limitations.
When Does the Right to be Forgotten Apply?
While every case is unique and assessed on its own merits, we have had great success helping clients remove content in the following situations. Here are some scenarios where the Right to be Forgotten can make a difference.
✔ People with ‘Spent’ Convictions: If you've served your time and your conviction is ‘spent’, outdated information related to that conviction can often be removed – this is especially true for fully-served criminal convictions of under four years.
✔ Those Acquitted or with Dropped Charges: You can request the removal of links that reference false accusations or cases where charges were dropped.
✔ Victims of Attack Websites: If you're suffering from online harassment, the Right to be Forgotten can help remove related harmful links.
✔ Individuals Affected by Company Closure: Google removals commonly apply to past business failures. However, you usually need to prove that you have switched industries.
✔ Missing Persons Who've Returned: You can remove links to old missing persons reports about you that likely contain sensitive personal details.
✔ Republished Public Records: If a third-party website republished publicly available data about you (like court judgments or bankruptcy records), it may be eligible for removal.
✔ Public Figures Linked to Unrelated Content: Public figures can use the Right to be Forgotten to remove content that misrepresents them, such as links claiming they endorse a product they don’t.
✔ People Linked to Irrelevant or Misleading Information: Google's algorithms aren't always accurate. You can use the Right to be Forgotten if unrelated or offensive content appears when someone searches your name. This can include crime reports about someone else, articles about family members, or offensive blogs about people with similar names.
✔ Victims of Embarrassing or Damaging Publicity: This applies to private topics, like relationship issues, divorce or inheritance disputes. If there’s no public interest in this information being online, you can usually remove these links from Google.
When Doesn’t the Right to be Forgotten Apply?
The Right to be Forgotten may not apply in the following circumstances, and we cannot accept instruction in these cases.
✘ Fair and Accurate Opinions About Businesses: This includes personal opinions about someone’s current business methods published within the last five years where the person concerned is still working in the same or similar industry.
✘ Public records: Official public records from entities like Companies House, HMRC, Gov.UK, or employment tribunal decisions are generally exempt from removal. However, republished content from these sources, such as news articles or blogs, might be eligible.
✘ Current or Unexpired Legal Matters: Information about legal matters that are still ongoing or unresolved (e.g., company director disqualifications or bankruptcy restriction orders) may only be eligible for removal once the issue is resolved.
✘ Undecided or Ongoing Legal Matters: Content related to ongoing legal matters or pending trials is only eligible for removal once a final verdict is reached.
✘ Public figures: It's harder to remove data about people who’ve intentionally relinquished their privacy and taken up a role in the public eye within the last 10 years. This includes politicians, religious leaders and journalists.
✘ Serious crimes: Convictions of severe crimes (violence, sexual offences, terrorism) that carry sentences of over four years generally won’t be eligible for removal.
✘ Unexpired Ancillary Court Orders: If you are subject to an unexpired court order, such as a Restraining Order, Sexual Harm Prevention Order or Criminal Behaviour Order, your details are unlikely to be removed, whether you’ve been convicted or acquitted.
✘ Content on the Dark Web: We do not access the Dark Web and advise against anyone attempting to do so.
Examples of Using the Right to be Forgotten on Google:
Are you curious about how the Right to be Forgotten works in practice? Here are a few examples of clients we've successfully helped remove links from Google and its positive impact on their lives. For more detailed accounts, please visit our case studies page.
Removing Articles About Fraud Charges:
After losing his wife, our client’s business fell into financial hardship, and in an attempt to recover, he issued fraudulent invoices. This led to a fraud conviction, which the media reported on several news websites, tarnishing his reputation. However, after some years, the conviction was spent. Using the Right to be Forgotten, we successfully removed links to these fraud charges from search engines. Our client has since rebuilt their reputation and is moving forward with a fresh start.
Removing Articles About a Non-Violent Crime:
Our client was convicted of a non-violent crime. Information about this remained online for all to see even when it was ‘spent’. Not only was this damaging their reputation, but also their family’s. We removed information about our client’s arrest, conviction, and related photos by exercising the Right to Erasure. By restoring their privacy, both they and their family have enjoyed a fresh start.
Removing Articles About Financial Troubles:
Due to unpaid debts, our client was subject to excessive media coverage and scrutiny. A particular article remained online for over six years! The stories became irrelevant as time passed, meaning we could remove the link from Google. We even persuaded the newspaper to delete the article from their website. Our client has earned a clean slate thanks to the Right to be Forgotten.
How to Remove Links from Google Using the Right to be Forgotten
If you think you qualify for the Right to be Forgotten, it’s time to take action. Here’s how you can proceed.
1. Try a DIY Removal To initiate a DIY removal, you must submit a request directly to the search engines. Our free guide provides a clear, step-by-step outline to walk you through the process. Additionally, here are the leading platforms and their removal request forms: Approach this task with care. Start by drafting a document with all specific URLs you wish to have removed, and craft a detailed argument for why they should take the content down. Remember to highlight how the information impacts you and why it’s no longer necessary to the public. For example, point out if it’s:
What If My Request Is Rejected?
It’s not uncommon for organisations to push back on your initial request, so don’t be discouraged. You can file a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), which often prompts quick action from search engines. If this appeal doesn’t succeed, it might be time to enlist professional help. Keep reading to learn how we can assist.
2. Seek Assistance from a specialist firm.
As highlighted throughout this article, the Right to be Forgotten is a complex and nuanced area of law, and navigating it effectively often requires expert guidance. That’s where Internet Erasure steps in. We specialise in removing unwanted or damaging search results, helping restore your rightful privacy and dignity so you can move forward.
Why Choose Internet Erasure?
If you want to repair your online reputation, let us secure the fresh start you deserve. Simply contact our team for a free consultation by emailing [email protected], calling 020 3576 0356, or WhatsApp chat 07565 130 116. Alternatively, submit a convenient online initial enquiry form, and we’ll respond promptly.
Do you have a strong case for removal? View this handy guide for more insights. We’ll show you when the Right to be Forgotten can work in your favour and when it might not, along with real examples of clients Internet Erasure has successfully supported.
How to Achieve Right to be Forgotten Google Removals
Discover everything you need to know about when the Right to be Forgotten applies and when it doesn’t.
Within the GDPR, Do People Have the Right to be Forgotten?
Yes, under Article 17 of the UK GDPR, individuals have the right to request the removal of their personal data, especially when it’s outdated, inaccurate, or no longer necessary for its original purpose. This right is known as the ‘Right to be Forgotten’ or ‘Right to Erasure’ and applies across various organisations, including major online platforms like Google.
Anyone can apply to remove unwanted or damaging search results from search engines, and we even offer a free guide if you’d like to try the process yourself. However, not all requests are granted, especially when they conflict with the public’s right to know. Read on to discover where the Right to be Forgotten has been effective and where it has limitations.
When Does the Right to be Forgotten Apply?
While every case is unique and assessed on its own merits, we have had great success helping clients remove content in the following situations. Here are some scenarios where the Right to be Forgotten can make a difference.
✔ People with ‘Spent’ Convictions: If you've served your time and your conviction is ‘spent’, outdated information related to that conviction can often be removed – this is especially true for fully-served criminal convictions of under four years.
✔ Those Acquitted or with Dropped Charges: You can request the removal of links that reference false accusations or cases where charges were dropped.
✔ Victims of Attack Websites: If you're suffering from online harassment, the Right to be Forgotten can help remove related harmful links.
✔ Individuals Affected by Company Closure: Google removals commonly apply to past business failures. However, you usually need to prove that you have switched industries.
✔ Missing Persons Who've Returned: You can remove links to old missing persons reports about you that likely contain sensitive personal details.
✔ Republished Public Records: If a third-party website republished publicly available data about you (like court judgments or bankruptcy records), it may be eligible for removal.
✔ Public Figures Linked to Unrelated Content: Public figures can use the Right to be Forgotten to remove content that misrepresents them, such as links claiming they endorse a product they don’t.
✔ People Linked to Irrelevant or Misleading Information: Google's algorithms aren't always accurate. You can use the Right to be Forgotten if unrelated or offensive content appears when someone searches your name. This can include crime reports about someone else, articles about family members, or offensive blogs about people with similar names.
✔ Victims of Embarrassing or Damaging Publicity: This applies to private topics, like relationship issues, divorce or inheritance disputes. If there’s no public interest in this information being online, you can usually remove these links from Google.
When Doesn’t the Right to be Forgotten Apply?
The Right to be Forgotten may not apply in the following circumstances, and we cannot accept instruction in these cases.
✘ Fair and Accurate Opinions About Businesses: This includes personal opinions about someone’s current business methods published within the last five years where the person concerned is still working in the same or similar industry.
✘ Public records: Official public records from entities like Companies House, HMRC, Gov.UK, or employment tribunal decisions are generally exempt from removal. However, republished content from these sources, such as news articles or blogs, might be eligible.
✘ Current or Unexpired Legal Matters: Information about legal matters that are still ongoing or unresolved (e.g., company director disqualifications or bankruptcy restriction orders) may only be eligible for removal once the issue is resolved.
✘ Undecided or Ongoing Legal Matters: Content related to ongoing legal matters or pending trials is only eligible for removal once a final verdict is reached.
✘ Public figures: It's harder to remove data about people who’ve intentionally relinquished their privacy and taken up a role in the public eye within the last 10 years. This includes politicians, religious leaders and journalists.
✘ Serious crimes: Convictions of severe crimes (violence, sexual offences, terrorism) that carry sentences of over four years generally won’t be eligible for removal.
✘ Unexpired Ancillary Court Orders: If you are subject to an unexpired court order, such as a Restraining Order, Sexual Harm Prevention Order or Criminal Behaviour Order, your details are unlikely to be removed, whether you’ve been convicted or acquitted.
✘ Content on the Dark Web: We do not access the Dark Web and advise against anyone attempting to do so.
Examples of Using the Right to be Forgotten on Google:
Are you curious about how the Right to be Forgotten works in practice? Here are a few examples of clients we've successfully helped remove links from Google and its positive impact on their lives. For more detailed accounts, please visit our case studies page.
Removing Articles About Fraud Charges:
After losing his wife, our client’s business fell into financial hardship, and in an attempt to recover, he issued fraudulent invoices. This led to a fraud conviction, which the media reported on several news websites, tarnishing his reputation. However, after some years, the conviction was spent. Using the Right to be Forgotten, we successfully removed links to these fraud charges from search engines. Our client has since rebuilt their reputation and is moving forward with a fresh start.
Removing Articles About a Non-Violent Crime:
Our client was convicted of a non-violent crime. Information about this remained online for all to see even when it was ‘spent’. Not only was this damaging their reputation, but also their family’s. We removed information about our client’s arrest, conviction, and related photos by exercising the Right to Erasure. By restoring their privacy, both they and their family have enjoyed a fresh start.
Removing Articles About Financial Troubles:
Due to unpaid debts, our client was subject to excessive media coverage and scrutiny. A particular article remained online for over six years! The stories became irrelevant as time passed, meaning we could remove the link from Google. We even persuaded the newspaper to delete the article from their website. Our client has earned a clean slate thanks to the Right to be Forgotten.
How to Remove Links from Google Using the Right to be Forgotten
If you think you qualify for the Right to be Forgotten, it’s time to take action. Here’s how you can proceed.
1. Try a DIY Removal To initiate a DIY removal, you must submit a request directly to the search engines. Our free guide provides a clear, step-by-step outline to walk you through the process. Additionally, here are the leading platforms and their removal request forms: Approach this task with care. Start by drafting a document with all specific URLs you wish to have removed, and craft a detailed argument for why they should take the content down. Remember to highlight how the information impacts you and why it’s no longer necessary to the public. For example, point out if it’s:
- Out of date
- Irrelevant
- Excessive
- Inadequate
- Inaccurate
What If My Request Is Rejected?
It’s not uncommon for organisations to push back on your initial request, so don’t be discouraged. You can file a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), which often prompts quick action from search engines. If this appeal doesn’t succeed, it might be time to enlist professional help. Keep reading to learn how we can assist.
2. Seek Assistance from a specialist firm.
As highlighted throughout this article, the Right to be Forgotten is a complex and nuanced area of law, and navigating it effectively often requires expert guidance. That’s where Internet Erasure steps in. We specialise in removing unwanted or damaging search results, helping restore your rightful privacy and dignity so you can move forward.
Why Choose Internet Erasure?
- We only take cases we’re confident we can win, allowing us to persist through as many appeals as necessary to achieve permanent deletion.
- We have removed over 50,000 articles, images, and links, helping more than 900 clients rebuild their reputations.
- In addition to the Right to be Forgotten, we leverage our expertise in defamation, copyright, safeguarding, harassment, and privacy law to remove links from Google and other platforms.
- We don’t stop at search results. We’ll also tackle harmful autocomplete entries, knowledge panels, and search suggestions to restore your online image thoroughly.
- We are the highest-rated and most recommended firm in the UK that specialises in Right to be Forgotten, as recognised by Trustpilot.
If you want to repair your online reputation, let us secure the fresh start you deserve. Simply contact our team for a free consultation by emailing [email protected], calling 020 3576 0356, or WhatsApp chat 07565 130 116. Alternatively, submit a convenient online initial enquiry form, and we’ll respond promptly.
