The “Right to Be Forgotten” (RTBF) is a law that allows individuals to request the removal of certain online content, particularly in the European Union. However, in the United States, this right does not exist in the same way. If you’re dealing with unwanted search results on Google in the U.S., here’s what you need to know about your options.
What Is the Right to Be Forgotten?
The Right to Be Forgotten stems from a 2014 ruling by the European Court of Justice, requiring search engines like Google to remove links to content that is “inadequate, irrelevant, or excessive” upon request. This law primarily applies to individuals in the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) and is enforced through the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
While this law gives EU citizens the ability to remove search results from Google, it does not apply to users in the United States.
Why Doesn’t the Right to Be Forgotten Apply in the U.S.?
The U.S. values free speech and press freedoms, which often take priority over personal privacy concerns. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects the right to publish truthful information, even if it is damaging to an individual’s reputation. Because of this, the U.S. government has not enacted a similar law to the Right to Be Forgotten.
However, this does not mean you have no options. While you cannot demand Google remove results based on an RTBF claim, there are other ways to request content removal from search results.
How Can You Remove Google Search Results in the U.S.?
Although there is no direct equivalent to the Right to Be Forgotten, Google does offer several removal options under specific circumstances:
1. Request Removal of Personal Information
Google allows U.S. users to request the removal of search results that expose sensitive personal information, such as:
- Home addresses
- Phone numbers
- Email addresses
- Social Security numbers
- Bank account or credit card details
You can submit a request through Google’s Personal Information Removal Tool.
2. Outdated or Deleted Content Removal
If a webpage has been deleted or significantly changed but still appears in Google search results, you can request removal using the Google Remove Outdated Content Tool. This applies to pages that no longer exist but continue to show up in search results.
3. Defamatory or False Content
If content in a Google search result is false and harmful, you may have legal grounds for removal. However, Google typically will not remove defamatory content unless a court order is obtained. In such cases, you can:
- Contact the website owner and request they remove or correct the content.
- File a defamation lawsuit and submit the court order to Google for removal.
4. Non-Consensual or Harmful Content
Google removes search results for certain types of harmful or non-consensual content, including:
- Revenge porn (explicit images shared without consent)
- Deepfake explicit imagery (AI-generated fake explicit content)
- Doxxing material (exposed personal details used for harassment)
- Exploitative removal practices (content hosted on sites that demand payment for removal)
To request removal of such content, visit Google’s Content Removal Request Page.
5. Copyright Infringement (DMCA Requests)
If someone has posted content that violates your copyright, you can file a DMCA takedown request to have it removed from search results. This is commonly used for:
- Unauthorized use of images, videos, or written content
- Stolen intellectual property
- Pirated material
Submit a DMCA request through Google’s Copyright Removal Form.
6. Contacting the Website Directly
In many cases, removing content from Google is only possible if the source website agrees to delete it. To request removal:
- Find the right contact – Check the website’s “Contact” or “About” page.
- Use WHOIS lookup – If no contact details are listed, WHOIS domain lookup tools can provide site owner information.
- Send a professional request – Politely ask for the content to be removed or modified.
7. Suppressing Negative Search Results with SEO
If removal is not an option, you can push down negative results using SEO strategies. This involves creating and promoting positive content that ranks higher in Google search results, including:
- Personal websites and blogs with your name
- Social media profiles (LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, etc.)
- Press releases or news articles showcasing positive information
- Guest posts and interviews on reputable sites
By optimizing these pages for search engines, you can reduce the visibility of unwanted results.
Will the Right to Be Forgotten Ever Apply in the U.S.?
There is ongoing debate about whether the U.S. should adopt privacy laws similar to the Right to Be Forgotten. Some states, like California, have enacted data privacy laws such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), which allows users to request deletion of personal data from certain companies.
However, a nationwide Right to Be Forgotten law would likely face significant legal challenges due to First Amendment protections.
While the Right to Be Forgotten does not apply to Google Search results in the U.S., there are still multiple ways to request content removal. Google offers tools to remove personal information, outdated content, and harmful material. If removal is not possible, SEO suppression strategies can help reduce the visibility of negative search results.
If you need assistance with content removal or online reputation management, professional services are available to help navigate the process and improve your online presence.
