Citizens of the European Union have the right to request that search engines like Google remove certain inappropriate, irrelevant, or excessive information about them under EU privacy laws. Similarly, you can request the removal of stolen content using the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).
Removing False or Defamatory Content
Under the Right to Be Forgotten, individuals can request the removal of outdated or excessive personal information, including images, videos, and text, from Google’s search results. According to European law, search engines must remove links containing irrelevant or excessive information about identifiable persons.
Important Considerations
- Content is not deleted from the internet—it is only removed from Google search results.
- Defining content as “irrelevant” or “excessive” is subjective, and Google may decline removal requests unless a legal ruling supports them.
Who Cannot Submit a Removal Request?
- Individuals with a significant public role may not have the right to be forgotten, as public interest outweighs privacy concerns.
- Companies cannot request removal under this law. Businesses needing online reputation management should consider Google result-cleaning services.
How to Submit a Removal Request
To request content removal under the Right to Be Forgotten, EU citizens can complete this form: https://reportcontent.google.com/forms/rtbf?visit_id=638048005262777139-2522407031&hl=en&rd=1
Removing Stolen Content from Google
If your copyrighted content has been stolen and used without permission, you can file a DMCA takedown notice to remove it from Google’s search results.
How Does the Process Work?
- Identify the stolen content and gather evidence.
- Submit a DMCA takedown notice to Google: Google DMCA Takedown Form
- If approved, Google removes the URL from its search results.
- If the website hosting the stolen content does not comply, you can file a complaint with the hosting provider: Find Website Hosting Provider
Key Facts About DMCA Complaints
- Some web hosting providers ignore DMCA notices so results may vary.
- If the entire website has stolen content, you must submit multiple complaints for each infringing page.
- Google only removes content if clear copyright infringement is proven. Common reasons for rejection include:
- Insufficient information about the alleged violation.
- Inability to locate the infringing content.
Final Thoughts
Removing personal or stolen content from Google requires following the proper procedures. If Google rejects your request, legal action or online reputation management services may be necessary.
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