How does the right to be forgotten work on the internet?
August 3, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Christiane Melzer
Dear Internet and Computer Law Attorney,
I am contacting you because I am facing a specific issue on the internet and I am not sure how to deal with it. My name is Artur Buchner and I am concerned about my personal data that is available online.
In the past, I have noticed that my personal information, such as old posts on social media or outdated search results in search engines, are still present on the internet. I have already tried to delete or update this data, but without success.
I am worried that these outdated pieces of information may affect my privacy and potentially have a negative impact on my professional or personal life. Therefore, I am interested in the so-called "right to be forgotten" on the internet and I am wondering how I can exercise this right.
Could you please explain to me how the right to be forgotten works on the internet and what legal steps I need to take to protect and potentially delete my personal data? Are there any specific laws or regulations that can assist me in this process?
Thank you in advance for your help and I look forward to your assistance in resolving this issue.
Best regards,
Artur Buchner
Dear Mr. Buchner,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the "right to be forgotten" on the internet. This issue affects many people and it is important to protect your personal data and have it deleted if it is outdated or no longer relevant.
The right to be forgotten is an important part of internet data protection. It allows individuals to request search engines like Google to delete links to specific information if it is no longer relevant or violates privacy. This right is based on the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the European Union, which has been in effect since May 25, 2018.
To exercise the right to be forgotten, you must first submit a formal request to the relevant search engine, explaining which links to your personal data should be deleted and why. The search engine will then review whether your reasons are valid and whether the right to be forgotten can be applied.
It is important to note that the right to be forgotten is not absolute and there are certain exceptions, such as when the information is in the public interest or of journalistic value. Therefore, not all of your data may be able to be deleted, depending on the specific circumstances.
If the search engine does not comply with your request or if you are not satisfied with the decision, you also have the option to contact the data protection authority of your country and file a complaint. They can investigate the case and take measures to protect your rights if necessary.
Overall, it is important that you take action and defend your rights on the internet. The right to be forgotten is an important tool to protect your privacy and control your personal data. I hope this information is helpful to you and I am available to assist you with any further steps.
Best regards,
Christiane Melzer
Lawyer specializing in internet and computer law
