If someone searches your name on Google and finds a damaging article, an old arrest, or outdated personal details that no longer reflect who you are, it can feel like the past won’t let go. But in many cases, you may have a legal path to request removal, through what’s known as the Right to Be Forgotten.
This guide explains what the Right to Be Forgotten is, how it works with Google, who can use it, and how to file a removal request. We’ll also walk through what to do if your request is denied and how to remove or suppress unwanted search results another way.
What Is the Right to Be Forgotten?
The Right to Be Forgotten is a legal principle that allows individuals to request the removal of outdated, irrelevant, or harmful personal information from search engine results, especially when the public interest in the information is limited or no longer valid.
This right was first recognized by the European Court of Justice in 2014 and is now part of GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) in the EU. It gives individuals in Europe and some other jurisdictions the ability to request that Google and other search engines delist specific URLs tied to their name.
Google may remove links under the Right to Be Forgotten only in eligible countries (like those in the EU, EEA, and the UK). It does not apply in the U.S. or Canada unless you’re an EU citizen making the request from Europe.
Submit a Right to be Forgotten Request
For a deeper dive into all your options for removing Google search results, check out our complete guide on How to Delete Google Search Results and our guide on all of Google’s Content Removal Tools.
What You Can Remove Using the Right to Be Forgotten
You may be able to remove links that:
- Harm your reputation based on outdated or misleading information
- Include past criminal offenses that were resolved long ago
- Contain sensitive personal data not in the public interest
- Appear when someone searches your name and cause ongoing harm
Common examples:
- Old news articles about minor legal issues
- Defamatory blog posts or public allegations
- Forums or gossip sites spreading misleading information
- Past professional missteps that no longer reflect your career
Google considers each case individually and weighs your privacy against the public’s right to know. That means some requests are approved, while others are denied, even if the content feels unfair or harmful.
Who Can Submit a Right to Be Forgotten Request?
To qualify, you must:
- Live in an eligible country (such as an EU member state, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, or the UK)
- Submit as the person affected, or on their behalf with authorization
- Identify specific URLs tied to your name in search results
- Explain why the content is no longer relevant, outdated, or excessive
- Provide a copy of your ID to confirm identity
If you’re outside these countries, this form won’t work, but other Google removal tools may.
How to Submit a Right to Be Forgotten Request to Google
Here’s how to file a removal request using Google’s Right to Be Forgotten form:
Step 1: Access the Google Request Form
Go to: https://support.google.com/legal/contact/lr_eudpa?product=websearch
You must be logged into a Google account to submit.
Step 2: Enter Your Personal Details
- Full name
- Country of residence
- Email address
- Language preference
Step 3: List the URLs You Want Removed
Paste each full URL separately. These should be specific search results that show up when someone searches your name.
Step 4: Explain Why Each Link Should Be Removed
In the justification box, explain:
- What harm the link causes you
- Why the information is outdated or misleading
- Why it’s not relevant to the public anymore
Keep it short, clear, and factual. Avoid emotion. Use dates if relevant.
Step 5: Submit ID Documentation
Upload a scan of your passport, driver’s license, or government ID. You can blur out non-essential info (like ID numbers), but your name must match the request.
Step 6: Certify Accuracy and Submit
Tick the boxes confirming the info is accurate and that you understand Google may store the data for evaluation. Then click Submit.
What Happens After You Submit?
- Review Time: Most requests are reviewed within a few weeks, but some take longer.
- Google’s Response: You’ll receive an email explaining whether each URL was removed, and why.
- Query-Based Removals: If approved, the link may be removed only for searches involving your name, not for general queries or keywords.
- Regional Removals: Even if granted, removals often apply only in Europe and may still appear in the U.S. or elsewhere.
What If Google Denies Your Request?
Google denies requests that:
- Involve content still in the public interest (e.g. serious crimes, public roles)
- Appear on government, court, or official news websites
- Lack a clear explanation of why the content is outdated or harmful
If denied, you can:
- Appeal the decision with a more detailed explanation and new documentation
- File a complaint with your local data protection authority (especially in Europe)
- Use suppression strategies to bury the link in search (see next section)
Can I Still Remove the Content if the Right to Be Forgotten Doesn’t Apply?
Yes. If you’re not eligible, or if your request was denied, there are still options.
You can try:
- Using other Google removal forms
- Reaching out to the site owner directly to ask for removal or updates
- Suppressing the result using positive SEO, such as publishing new content to outrank the negative link
We’ve helped thousands of clients bury harmful links with profiles, press coverage, and branded assets across trusted sites.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Be clear and respectful in your justification
- Focus on why the information no longer serves the public interest
- Provide dates and context that show how old or irrelevant the issue is
- Use specific harm examples, like job rejections or reputational damage
- Only submit links that appear when searching your full name
