On May 13, 2014, the Court of Justice of the European Union recognized that anyone could request the removal of a search result deemed inappropriate or outdated. This first milestone gave rise to the right to be forgotten digitally, a concept still vague at the time but already promising for the protection of privacy.
Twelve years have passed. The engines have acquired dedicated teams, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has entered into force, and Article 17 has transformed a simple delisting tool into a genuine right to erasure. By 2026, the system will cover search engines, platforms, and all website publishers. You therefore have a coherent set of procedures at your disposal to verify your online identity.
A right established in 2014 and expanded by the GDPR
decision Google Spain / Costeja González forced the search engine Each request is analyzed in light of two interests: yours, based on privacy, and the public's, based on access to information. This principle of balance remains the cornerstone of the system. Purely personal information or information that has become irrelevant is generally removed. Information that falls within the scope of public debate or concerns a well-known figure remains accessible.
With Article 17 of the GDPR, the scope has broadened. The right to erasure This applies to all data controllers. If data is no longer necessary, was collected unlawfully, or if you withdraw your consent, the organization must delete it without undue delay. It has one month to respond to your request and must justify any refusal based on freedom of expression or a legal obligation.
How to remove a link from search results
Le Google form for the right to be forgotten This remains the most common entry point. You provide the disputed URL, the search query containing your name, the reason for the request, and attach a partial copy of your ID. The case is then reviewed manually. Google sometimes rejects requests when the content is of clear public interest, but it provides a reason for its decision and allows for reconsideration.
Microsoft offers a similar system via a Bing formThe criteria are identical to those of Google. The French search engine Qwant also makes its own delisting form and applies the same analytical framework. In all three cases, you will receive a response by email. If the request is accepted, the links will disappear from the European versions of the search engine in question. Non-EU versions may still occasionally display the results, but their relevance is limited in everyday use.
Delete the data at the source using Article 17 of the GDPR
Le right to erasure Your efforts don't stop at the search results pages. You can write directly to the publisher or hosting provider of the website that publishes the content. A concise email is often sufficient: mention the URLs in question, cite Article 17, and explain how the publication infringes your rights. Keep your proof of sending, as it will be essential later.
The organization has one month to respond. An agreement triggers the removal and resolves the problem at its source, since the removed link no longer has a reason to exist in the indexes. In case of silence or refusal, you proceed to the next step without wasting time dealing with search engines.
Possible recourse in case of blockage
When the response is unfavorable or does not arrive, you can file an online complaint to the CNILThe authority verifies the legitimacy of your request and may order its deletion or delisting. If you reside outside France, contact the data protection authority in your country; European regulators work together through the European Data Protection Board.
The last resort is legal action. You must file a claim with the competent court, which will assess the balance between privacy and freedom of expression. This step is rare, as the combination of online forms, Article 17, and the CNIL (French Data Protection Authority) guidelines generally resolves most disputes.
Le right to be forgotten digitally Today, a comprehensive system is in place. Dedicated forms are available from search engines, Article 17 of the GDPR allows for erasure at the source, and clear recourse options are available through the CNIL (French Data Protection Authority): you have effective tools at your disposal to protect your online reputation. Prepare well-reasoned requests, keep all supporting documents, and don't hesitate to exercise your rights. Your identity deserves this level of vigilance!
