A Google search result about me is wrong or damaging — what now?
Right-to-be-forgotten request to Google (Costeja route, CJEU C-131/12) + separate erasure request at the source website. Not automatically accepted.
Since the Costeja ruling (CJEU C-131/12, 2014) you have the right to ask Google to remove search results about you — known as the "right to be forgotten". But: the original remains, only the Google findability changes. Balance of interests: Google must weigh your privacy interest against public interest (freedom of information, journalism). That's why not all requests are accepted — especially not if you are a public figure or it concerns journalism of general interest. Higher chance of acceptance: old content (>5 years), no longer relevant, inaccurate, sensitive (health, old criminal case), or concerning a minor. Important: Google removal applies only to your name searches on EU Google versions. Requests to US/UK Google work differently. For full removal: parallel separate request to the source website. On refusal: AP complaint or civil court.
Step by step
Right-to-be-forgotten request to Google
support.google.com → "Remove a search result" → specific form for EU citizens. Fill in URLs + reason. Google responds within 2-4 weeks.
Separate erasure request to source website
GDPR Art. 17 + portrait right to website owner. Often press-freedom exception — but on factual errors or outdated data strong claim.
Gather evidence for balancing
Document harm: missed jobs, relationship impact, health. Larger harm = stronger balance in your favour.
On refusal: AP complaint or court
AP can investigate + pressure Google. Civil: preliminary-relief judge for accelerated removal + penalty.
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Sources
🔎 Common search variants
Recognise your own search? Our answer above covers these too.
- “google search result remove”
- “right to be forgotten netherlands”
- “costeja ruling”
- “remove name from google”