An old bankruptcy of mine still ranks high on Google — what now?

Bankruptcies are made public in NL via the central insolvency register (CIR) — active 30 days after ruling, archive remains 5 years. Then press releases + commercial credit registries often linger. Three different things: (1) CIR (government): after rehabilitation removable via CIR procedure. (2) BKR (credit register): 5-year retention — automatically removed. (3) Google search results + press articles: this is where the problem sits. Right-to-be-forgotten route (Costeja, CJEU C-131/12): Google request via support.google.com → "Remove information" → choose "Outdated content" or "EU privacy law". Balance public interest vs personal harm. Success factors: time passed (3+ years post-resolution strong), no recidivism, rehabilitation, no public function where financial history remains relevant. Not automatic: Google weighs. Politicians, directors of large companies, professionals with fiduciary role often CANNOT claim. On Google refusal: AP complaint + preliminary injunction. Source website (newspaper archive, press release): separate request to editorial — UAVG Art. 43 journalistic exemption makes removal harder (see article). Tip: present yourself as a "rehabilitated entrepreneur" with personal statement on why old info is harmful for you. Often improves result.