Right to be forgotten. How to remove information from the internet?

The content we share online leaves a trace—especially when it is clearly linked to our analogue identity (first name, surname, ID number, address, phone number…). We have all searched for our name on Google. But what happens when you do not like what appears?

As we often say, the best antidote is prevention: creating a Digital Identity that aligns with what we want to show and keeping control over our content.
We may find content that negatively affects our Digital Identity and, consequently, possibly our analogue (real) identity, for three main reasons:

• Because we have managed the content we share improperly. Over time, we may see old photos, texts, or statements that today could negatively impact our image.
• Because we have been victims of identity theft on the internet, of sexting, online blackmail, phishing, leaks, scams, or any other type of crime or cybercrime.
• Because we have suffered a reputation crisis, and third-party posts, user opinions, and content shared by other people related to the case remain online with high rankings and, therefore, cause even more damage to reputation over time.

The content we share online leaves a trace. It is important to detect any negative content that may affect us through proper monitoring. The main sources where we can find it are: official gazettes, media outlets, websites, forums, blogs, social networks, classified ads pages, phone directories, or search engines.

Right to be forgotten. How to remove information from the internet?

The right to be forgotten is related to data protection and the right to honour. It allows you to regain control over the information about you that circulates online. New technologies make it possible to accumulate large amounts of data that can be found easily. If the information is not updated or removed, it may damage one’s image or infringe on privacy.

How to remove search results on Google?

Google provides users with a range of tools that allow them to report content and request the removal of content that breaks the law, is outdated, or violates your data protection rights. You can find its help section at this link.

In many cases, if the content does not breach the Data Protection Act or is not part of a crime or cybercrime, Google does not remove the content which, although negative for our reputation or online reputation, is shared under the right to freedom of expression.

It is advisable to rely on specialists who can help you when the resulting issues may be serious and the free Google tools do not perform the function at the level you need.

If you are concerned about the information that may circulate about you online, we will take care of proper monitoring of personal data, source detection, and we will assess whether your data and image are being managed appropriately.

It is possible to request the removal of negative content through a series of processes in which we specialise, and you will also be able to exercise your rights under European data protection law.

Selva Orejón summarises the most important aspects of the right to be forgotten

In the following video, Selva Orejón, CEO of onBranding, talks about the right to be forgotten: How to remove information from the internet? She summarises the steps to follow to erase a person’s online footprint, or to de-index that information:

At onBRANDING, we are experts in cyber investigation, digital identity, online reputation, privacy, and cybersecurity; digital identity; corporate and personal digital identity protection; and protecting the identity of protected witnesses. We can help you—contact us.