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Right to Be Forgotten: What It Is and How It Works in Google Search
What appears in Google Search can shape how people see you or your business. This guide explains how the Right to Be Forgotten works, when search results may qualify for removal, and what additional options may be available if the issue goes beyond a standard request.
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June 09, 2026
Key Takeaways
- The Right to Be Forgotten allows individuals to request the removal of Google Search results that contain personal information and affect privacy or cause reputational harm.
- The concept is closely associated with privacy rights under EU GDPR and data protection law.
- A successful request affects the visibility of a search result in Google Search but does not remove the original content from the internet.
- Google evaluates each request individually and balances privacy rights against public interest.
- Outdated, irrelevant, excessive, or sensitive personal information may qualify for review, depending on the circumstances.
- If a standard Right to Be Forgotten request is not enough, broader content removal and reputation management strategies may be available.
- Avagard Global evaluates each case individually and may apply a broader Google Search removal strategy that goes beyond a standard Right to Be Forgotten request.
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Table of contents
- What Is the Right to Be Forgotten?
- How Right to Be Forgotten Works in Google Search
- When May a Right to Be Forgotten Request Apply?
- How to Submit a Right to Be Forgotten Request
- Why Right to Be Forgotten Requests Get Rejected
- What If the Right to Be Forgotten Is Not Enough?
- How Avagard Global Helps with Google Search Removal
- FAQ: Right to Be Forgotten and Google Search Removal
What Is the Right to Be Forgotten?
The Right to Be Forgotten (RTBF) is a legal mechanism that allows individuals to request the removal of certain Google Search results linked to their personal data.
The concept is based on Article 17 of the EU GDPR and is part of the broader framework of data protection law. It was created to help protect privacy rights when information is outdated, irrelevant, excessive, or no longer justified.
While the Right to Be Forgotten is associated with the EU and the UK, similar privacy rights exist in a number of other countries. Jurisdictions including Serbia, Turkey, Russia, Argentina, the Philippines, and India have introduced laws or court decisions that reflect the same principles, although the scope and procedures vary from country to country.
The concept is based on Article 17 of the EU GDPR and is part of the broader framework of data protection law. It was created to help protect privacy rights when information is outdated, irrelevant, excessive, or no longer justified.
While the Right to Be Forgotten is associated with the EU and the UK, similar privacy rights exist in a number of other countries. Jurisdictions including Serbia, Turkey, Russia, Argentina, the Philippines, and India have introduced laws or court decisions that reflect the same principles, although the scope and procedures vary from country to country.
At the same time, RTBF is not an automatic removal tool. Google weighs an individual’s privacy rights against the public interest when assessing each request. Factors such as the nature of the information, its age, relevance, and the individual’s public profile all influence the outcome.
It is also important to understand that RTBF affects the visibility of search results rather than the original content itself.
How Right to Be Forgotten Works in Google Search
The Right to Be Forgotten works through a process known as search engine delisting. This means that Google may remove certain results from its search pages without removing the original content from the internet.
If a request is approved, a specific URL stops appearing for certain searches, typically those related to a person’s name. However, the original article, webpage, or document remains available on the source website and for other queries.
For example, a news article about an entrepreneur’s scandalous divorce could disappear from Google Search results related to their name, but keep appearing for other queries, such as their spouse’s name. The content would also continue to exist on the publisher’s website and people may still be able to access it through a direct link, another search request, or alternative search engines (like Bing or Yahoo).
Many people assume that a successful request will completely remove information from the internet. In reality, the Right to Be Forgotten affects how easily information can be found through Google Search rather than whether the content continues to exist online.
— Adrian Keller, Director at Avagard Global
It is also important to understand other limitations of the Right to Be Forgotten.
RTBF generally applies only to individuals. Companies, brands, and other legal entities usually cannot request delisting based on a company name because data protection laws are designed to protect personal data.
The geographic scope is limited. When Google approves a request, the affected results are removed only from versions of Google Search covered by the relevant privacy laws, such as those in the EU and the UK. People searching from other countries may still be able to find the same content.
Google displays a notice in search results regarding the removal request ("some results may have been delisted consistent with local laws"). This lets users know that certain URLs have been deleted for legal or privacy reasons.
Google shares information about delisting requests with the Lumen Database as part of its transparency practices. Although personal information is generally removed, some individuals view this as a potential privacy concern because details about the request itself become publicly accessible.
RTBF generally applies only to individuals. Companies, brands, and other legal entities usually cannot request delisting based on a company name because data protection laws are designed to protect personal data.
The geographic scope is limited. When Google approves a request, the affected results are removed only from versions of Google Search covered by the relevant privacy laws, such as those in the EU and the UK. People searching from other countries may still be able to find the same content.
Google displays a notice in search results regarding the removal request ("some results may have been delisted consistent with local laws"). This lets users know that certain URLs have been deleted for legal or privacy reasons.
Google shares information about delisting requests with the Lumen Database as part of its transparency practices. Although personal information is generally removed, some individuals view this as a potential privacy concern because details about the request itself become publicly accessible.
Google’s statistics on RTBF approved requests
Google’s statistics on RTBF approved requests
When May a Right to Be Forgotten Request Apply?
A Right to Be Forgotten request may be considered when search results contain personal information that is no longer relevant, creates privacy concerns, or causes disproportionate harm compared to any public benefit of keeping it easily accessible.
Situations that may support a request include:
Situations that may support a request include:
- outdated content that no longer reflects current circumstances;
- irrelevant or excessive information about an individual;
- sensitive personal information with limited public value;
- private data or contact details published online;
- information presented in a misleading context;
- harmful or potentially defamatory content.
Not every negative search result qualifies for removal. Google usually considers what information is involved, whether it is still relevant today, and whether there is a public interest in keeping the search result available.
For example, Google is less likely to remove information about a recent criminal conviction, public office, or another matter of ongoing public interest. Public figures, business leaders, politicians, and individuals involved in newsworthy events face a higher risk of rejection.
How to Submit a Right to Be Forgotten Request
Google reviews each Right to Be Forgotten request individually, so it is important to explain what content is involved and why it may create privacy concerns.
Identify the URLs
Start by finding the exact URLs you want Google to review. These should be the specific pages that appear in search results, not just the website’s homepage. If the same information appears on several pages, you need to include each URL separately.
Document the Search Queries
Next, note which search terms display the content. By default, Google prompts to delete search results for your name (nickname, pen name, stage name or maiden name). You can also choose other search terms: this information helps Google understand how people are finding the content and where it appears in search results.
Explain Why the Result Should Be Removed
The request form includes a field where you explain why the search result should be reviewed. This explanation is an important part of the process and should clearly describe why the information is inaccurate, outdated, no longer relevant, excessive, or otherwise qualifies for removal.
If available, you can refer to supporting evidence in your explanation. For example, you may mention that a court case was dismissed, that information has since been corrected, or that circumstances have significantly changed since the content was published. The more clearly you explain the context and why the result no longer reflects the current situation, the easier it may be for Google to evaluate the request.
If available, you can refer to supporting evidence in your explanation. For example, you may mention that a court case was dismissed, that information has since been corrected, or that circumstances have significantly changed since the content was published. The more clearly you explain the context and why the result no longer reflects the current situation, the easier it may be for Google to evaluate the request.
Prepare Your Information
To submit a request, you must provide your name, contact information, and an electronic signature confirming that the information in the request is accurate. Lawyers, guardians, and other authorized representatives can also submit requests on behalf of another person.
Submit the Request and Wait for Review
Once everything is prepared, the request can be submitted through Google’s removal request form. Google may approve, reject, or partially approve the request after reviewing the content, the privacy concerns involved, and any public interest considerations.
A well-prepared request does not guarantee removal, but it gives Google the information it needs to properly assess the case.
A well-prepared request does not guarantee removal, but it gives Google the information it needs to properly assess the case.
Google’s RTBF removal request form
Why Right to Be Forgotten Requests Get Rejected
Google balances privacy rights against the public’s right to access information. As a result, many requests may be rejected.
The information is still relevant. One of the most common reasons for rejection is that the information continues to be valuable to users. Even if an article was published years ago, Google may decide that it still provides useful context about a person, business, or event.
Example: A person asks Google to remove articles about a criminal conviction from several years ago. If the information remains relevant to public safety or professional licensing, Google may decide not to remove it.
The content is in the public interest. Google is generally less likely to remove search results when the information relates to matters of public interest. This may include news reporting, criminal proceedings, consumer protection issues, political activities, or other topics that people have a legitimate reason to access.
Example: A politician requests the removal of news articles discussing their conduct while in office. Google may reject the request because voters have a legitimate interest in accessing that information.
The person has a public or professional role. Requests face greater scrutiny when they involve public figures, business leaders, politicians, senior executives, or individuals whose professional activities affect the public. In these situations, privacy rights are weighed against the public’s interest in accessing information about the person.
Example: A CEO asks Google to remove articles discussing decisions made while leading a large company. Because the person’s professional activities affect employees, investors, or customers, Google may determine that the information remains relevant.
There is not enough supporting evidence. A request may also be rejected if it does not clearly explain why the content should be reviewed. Google typically expects enough information to understand the privacy concerns involved and evaluate the circumstances of the case.
Example: A requester states that an article is harmful but does not explain what is inaccurate, outdated, or no longer relevant. Without enough context, Google may be unable to assess the claim.
The request uses the wrong removal process. Not every issue falls within the scope of the Right to Be Forgotten. Some requests involve copyright violations, impersonation, the exposure of personal information, court orders, or disputes with publishers that may require a different removal process.
Example: A person wants to remove a webpage because it uses their content without permission. In this situation, a copyright claim may be more appropriate than a Right to Be Forgotten request.
Other grounds to request the removal of content from Google:
For this reason, a rejected request does not always mean that removal is impossible. In some cases, a different legal, policy-based, or reputation management strategy may be more appropriate.
The information is still relevant. One of the most common reasons for rejection is that the information continues to be valuable to users. Even if an article was published years ago, Google may decide that it still provides useful context about a person, business, or event.
Example: A person asks Google to remove articles about a criminal conviction from several years ago. If the information remains relevant to public safety or professional licensing, Google may decide not to remove it.
The content is in the public interest. Google is generally less likely to remove search results when the information relates to matters of public interest. This may include news reporting, criminal proceedings, consumer protection issues, political activities, or other topics that people have a legitimate reason to access.
Example: A politician requests the removal of news articles discussing their conduct while in office. Google may reject the request because voters have a legitimate interest in accessing that information.
The person has a public or professional role. Requests face greater scrutiny when they involve public figures, business leaders, politicians, senior executives, or individuals whose professional activities affect the public. In these situations, privacy rights are weighed against the public’s interest in accessing information about the person.
Example: A CEO asks Google to remove articles discussing decisions made while leading a large company. Because the person’s professional activities affect employees, investors, or customers, Google may determine that the information remains relevant.
There is not enough supporting evidence. A request may also be rejected if it does not clearly explain why the content should be reviewed. Google typically expects enough information to understand the privacy concerns involved and evaluate the circumstances of the case.
Example: A requester states that an article is harmful but does not explain what is inaccurate, outdated, or no longer relevant. Without enough context, Google may be unable to assess the claim.
The request uses the wrong removal process. Not every issue falls within the scope of the Right to Be Forgotten. Some requests involve copyright violations, impersonation, the exposure of personal information, court orders, or disputes with publishers that may require a different removal process.
Example: A person wants to remove a webpage because it uses their content without permission. In this situation, a copyright claim may be more appropriate than a Right to Be Forgotten request.
Other grounds to request the removal of content from Google:
- Copyright violations → DMCA reports
- The exposure of personal information → Google personal content policy
- Court orders obtained → Google Legal Help
For this reason, a rejected request does not always mean that removal is impossible. In some cases, a different legal, policy-based, or reputation management strategy may be more appropriate.
Removing Content from Google Search
Find out how to remove unwanted content from Google search results in 4 ways: by contacting the website owner, taking legal action, referring to local laws or using Google’s own policies.
Find out how to remove unwanted content from Google search results in 4 ways: by contacting the website owner, taking legal action, referring to local laws or using Google’s own policies.
What If the Right to Be Forgotten Is Not Enough?
The Right to Be Forgotten can be useful in some situations, but it has important limitations. It generally applies only to individuals, affects only certain Google searches, and usually works only within the EU and UK. The original content also remains online unless it is removed from the source website.
For that reason, a Google removal request is not always the best solution. Depending on the situation, it may be more effective to contact the website owner directly, submit a complaint through the platform where the content appears, use privacy-based removal options, or pursue removal through legal action.
In large-scale reputation attacks, removing individual search results is often not enough. When harmful content appears across multiple websites, a broader search suppression strategy may be needed instead of data removal service to reduce the visibility of negative content and improve what appears in search results over time.
For that reason, a Google removal request is not always the best solution. Depending on the situation, it may be more effective to contact the website owner directly, submit a complaint through the platform where the content appears, use privacy-based removal options, or pursue removal through legal action.
In large-scale reputation attacks, removing individual search results is often not enough. When harmful content appears across multiple websites, a broader search suppression strategy may be needed instead of data removal service to reduce the visibility of negative content and improve what appears in search results over time.
How Avagard Global Helps with Google Search Removal
A standard Right to Be Forgotten request can be effective in some situations, but it is not always the best solution. The right approach depends on the content, where it appears, and the reasons it continues to show up in search results.
Avagard Global starts by reviewing the content and evaluating the available options. Depending on the situation, this may involve a combination of different legal and policy-based approaches.
Avagard Global provides a content removal service based on our own methodology for deindexing unwanted links from Google. Unlike a standard Right to Be Forgotten request, our approach is not limited to deleting only certain search queries and only within the EU; we can eliminate the entire URL from the Google index globally, when it’s feasible.
In many cases, removing a search result is just a part of the solution. If unwanted content appears across multiple websites or affects a person’s reputation, Avagard Global implements a broader reputation management service. This includes search suppression: a tool used to control the Top-20 Google search results. This means that people will only see accurate and relevant information when they search for your (or your company’s) name.
Avagard Global starts by reviewing the content and evaluating the available options. Depending on the situation, this may involve a combination of different legal and policy-based approaches.
Avagard Global provides a content removal service based on our own methodology for deindexing unwanted links from Google. Unlike a standard Right to Be Forgotten request, our approach is not limited to deleting only certain search queries and only within the EU; we can eliminate the entire URL from the Google index globally, when it’s feasible.
In many cases, removing a search result is just a part of the solution. If unwanted content appears across multiple websites or affects a person’s reputation, Avagard Global implements a broader reputation management service. This includes search suppression: a tool used to control the Top-20 Google search results. This means that people will only see accurate and relevant information when they search for your (or your company’s) name.
Every case is different, and the right strategy depends on the content involved and the applicable laws. If you would like to understand what options may be available in your case, contact Avagard Global for a confidential assessment.
FAQ: Right to Be Forgotten and Google Search Removal
The Right to Be Forgotten is a EU GDPR-based mechanism that allows individuals to request the removal of certain search engine results linked to their personal data.
It typically works through search engine delisting. A search result becomes less visible in Google Search, while the original content remains available on the source website.
Not necessarily. If the request to remove information was attributed to Google, the URL may be eliminated from SERPs for certain queries (typically a person’s name), but this would not result in the original page being removed from the internet.
Individuals can submit requests regarding their own personal data. Authorized representatives may also submit requests on someone else’s behalf.
Depending on the circumstances, requests may involve outdated content, sensitive personal information, private contact details, excessive disclosures, or information that is no longer relevant.
Possibly. However, not all harmful or defamatory content qualifies for removal. Each request is reviewed individually based on the available facts and removal grounds.
Yes. Common reasons include public interest considerations, the continued relevance of the information, a person’s public role, or insufficient supporting evidence.
The Right to Be Forgotten is associated with European data protection law, but similar privacy or delisting rights exist in some other jurisdictions. Other legal or policy-based removal options may also be available depending on the country and the content involved.
A denial does not always mean that removal is impossible. Other options may include publisher outreach, policy-based removals, law enforcement, or broader online reputation management strategies such as global deindexing and search suppression.