How to submit a right to be forgotten request

If you are in the EU or UK, you can ask Google to delist outdated or irrelevant personal information about you under GDPR Article 17. You submit the URLs and the name searched through Google’s right-to-be-forgotten form, and Google weighs your privacy against the public interest. It delists from name-based searches in applicable countries; it does not delete the source page, and it does not apply to genuine public-interest reporting or to public figures in their public role.

The steps

Confirm you are in the EU or UK

The right to be forgotten comes from GDPR / UK GDPR. The US has no federal equivalent, so this route applies to EU/UK residents.

Gather the URLs and the search term

List the exact URLs and the name people search to find them. You will submit these to Google.

Submit Google’s RTBF request form

Use Google’s official right-to-be-forgotten form, explaining why the information is outdated, irrelevant, or excessive.

Google weighs privacy vs public interest

Google delists outdated personal data but keeps content with genuine public interest. Strong, specific reasoning matters.

Appeal to the regulator if refused

If Google refuses, you can complain to your data protection authority (the ICO in the UK).

Official: Google RTBF form · GDPR Article 17.

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RTBF requests succeed or fail on the reasoning and evidence. Essentras builds the case, files it, and handles a regulator appeal if Google refuses.

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General information, not legal advice.

FAQ

Right to be forgotten, FAQ

How do I submit a right to be forgotten request?▾

In the EU and UK, you can ask Google to delist outdated or irrelevant personal information about you under GDPR Article 17, using Google's right-to-be-forgotten request form. You provide the URLs, the name searched, and your reasons. Google weighs your privacy against public interest. Essentras builds the strongest case and handles the filing and any appeal to the regulator.

How do I remove a negative news article from Google?▾

It depends. If the article is defamatory, a court order is usually required; if it infringes copyright, a DMCA applies; in the EU/UK, outdated personal data may qualify for erasure. If the article is truthful public-interest reporting, Google will not remove it, and the realistic strategy is suppression: publishing strong, accurate content that ranks above it. We assess which path is honest for your situation.

What is the difference between de-indexing and removal?▾

De-indexing removes a URL from Google's search results, but the page still exists and can be reached directly or via other search engines. Removal at source means the content is actually deleted by the website that hosts it. De-indexing is faster and does not need the site owner; removal at source is more complete. We pursue both where each applies.

Can you guarantee content will be removed from Google?▾

No, and anyone who guarantees removal of any content is misleading you. Google and publishers make the final call, and truthful public-interest content generally cannot be removed without a legal basis. What we guarantee is using every lawful channel correctly and telling you honestly what is realistic before you commit.

Is content removal from Google legal?▾

Yes, when done through lawful channels: Google's own request forms, GDPR erasure requests, DMCA takedowns, and court orders. It is not legal or effective to hack, threaten, or file fraudulent claims. Essentras only uses lawful channels, which is also the only approach that produces durable results.

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