Can you really delete your digital past? Here's how the UK's right to be forgotten works
Old comments on Twitter or Facebook posts have the ability to haunt you long after they went live but one UK law gives you the right to have them erased. Yet many don't know it exists, here's what you need to know about the right to be forgotten.
Bringing up old tweets and posts has become somewhat routine whenever someone steps into the spotlight. The result of these airings of old posts has left many with damaged reputations, lost jobs, or derailed opportunities - no matter how long ago the mistake was made.
We all have things we'd rather leave in the past, but the phrase 'the internet never forgets' makes it feel impossible. Yet under UK law, you actually might have more control over your online history than you think. Here's how the Right to Be Forgotten works, and what it means in practice.
What is the Right to Be Forgotten?
The Right to Be Forgotten, also known as the Right to Erasure, is a data protection law that allows individuals to request the removal of their personal data from search engines and online platforms. Introduced in 2014 and strengthened under GDPR, it can apply to anything from old news articles and blogs to social media posts that are no longer relevant.
Who can request it and when?
Anyone can make a request, either directly or through a parent, guardian or legal representative. It applies when the data is no longer needed for its original purpose, when consent for its use has been withdrawn, when the individual objects to its use and the objection is upheld, if the data was processed unlawfully, or when erasure is required by law.
Can everything be deleted?
Not every request will succeed. Organisations can refuse if the data is needed to comply with legal obligations such as tax or financial records, if keeping it serves a clear public interest or if the data has been anonymised and cannot be linked back to you, or if it is needed to defend legal claims or protect free speech.
How to apply for the Right to Be Forgotten
To start applying for the right to be forgotten, you should identify the specific URLs you want removed and the search terms that lead to them, which is usually your name. Prepare a clear justification explaining why the information is outdated, irrelevant or no longer in the public interest, and include proof of identity and any supporting documents.
Search engines like Google have online forms for submitting requests, but you can also contact them by email or post.
Why it matters in the age of cancel culture
Cancel culture thrives on the idea that the internet never forgets, with old posts - sometimes written in someone's teenage years resurfacing and sparking public backlash and even job losses. For those who've grown, apologised and moved on, the Right to Be Forgotten acknowledges that there are times when it's no longer fair to keep mistakes in the public eye.
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