When a news story about you appears online, it can be confusing to know what is possible and what is not. This FAQ gives clear answers about removals, delisting, timelines, and alternatives. Use it to understand your options before you contact a publisher or submit a request to Google.
Quick note: Outcomes vary by facts, evidence, and jurisdiction. This page gives safe, neutral information so you can choose the right path.
Can Google remove a news article from search?
Sometimes. Google may delist results for legal reasons, for certain kinds of personal information, or when an article was removed or updated at the source. It does not usually delete content from the publisher’s website. You can request delisting for specific legal bases, removal of sensitive personal info, or a refresh of outdated results when a page has changed.
Will the article be gone from the internet if Google delists it?
No. Delisting hides a result in Google Search for certain queries. The page can still exist on the publisher’s site and on other search engines. Ask the publisher about removal, correction, or a noindex tag if appropriate. Google confirms that noindex prevents showing in Google results but the page can still be accessed directly.
What is the Right to be Forgotten and who can use it?
In the EU and UK, you may ask Google to delist results for your name if the information is inadequate, not relevant, or excessive. Decisions weigh your privacy against public interest. This right comes from the 2014 CJEU ruling and later guidance by European regulators.
Read more: Protecting Privacy: Understanding the Right to be Forgotten
Can I remove a news article using copyright law?
Only if the publisher used your copyrighted material without permission. Copyright protects original works like photos or text. The U.S. DMCA allows notice and takedown requests to hosts and platforms. Ownership and fair use matter. False notices can create liability.
You can submit a DMCA request to Google here. This won’t remove it from the site, but will prevent it from being indexed on Google.
What if the article is false or defamatory?
Defamation rules vary by state or country. Some publishers will update or correct reports after review. Google can process certain legal removal requests, often with court orders or clear legal grounds. Consider legal advice before filing.
The article was updated or deleted. Why is it still in Google?
Search results can lag behind. Use Google’s Refresh Outdated Content process to request an update when the source page has changed or been removed.
Can a publisher add “noindex” to hide an article from Google?
Yes. A noindex directive blocks a page from appearing in Google results after recrawling. It does not remove the page from the publisher’s site or other search engines that ignore noindex. Only the publisher can add it.
How long do removals or delistings usually take?
It varies. Google requests can take days to weeks. Publisher corrections and legal reviews can take weeks to months. Timelines depend on facts, evidence, and queue volume.
Read more: How Long Does It Take for Google to Remove a Deleted Article?
How much does it cost to remove a news article?
DIY requests to Google or a publisher are usually free. Legal routes and complex cases can cost more due to filings and professional time. Copyright takedowns are often lower cost if ownership is clear. Prices vary by case. See the DMCA overview for process details.
Can I remove my address or phone number from an article or from Google?
Google may remove certain sensitive personal info from Search. This does not force a publisher to edit a page. You can still contact the publisher to ask for redaction.
The article is about an old arrest or case that was dismissed. What are my options?
Ask the publisher for an update, correction, or contextual note. If you are in the EU or UK, you may request delisting under the Right to be Forgotten, subject to public interest tests. If records are sealed or expunged, that evidence can help your request.
The story is mirrored on many sites. Do I need to contact each one?
Often yes. Delisting applies to specific URLs. If many copies exist, you may need a mix of publisher outreach, legal requests where appropriate, and suppression to reduce visibility. Google’s outdated content tool only helps when a specific source page changed or was removed.
Is suppression a safe alternative when removal fails?
Suppression means publishing accurate, high-quality content that outranks the article. It does not delete anything. It can be a practical option when removal is not possible or when a publisher declines edits. No citation needed here.
Do data brokers affect news visibility?
They can. Personal data can resurface through data brokers and people-search sites, which complicates privacy requests. Recent reporting shows some brokers even hide opt-out pages. This is separate from news, but it affects your overall footprint.
Can Guaranteed Removals help if I tried on my own?
Yes. We assess legal and policy routes, contact publishers, prepare evidence, and pursue delisting where appropriate. If removal is unlikely, we can outline suppression steps and monitoring. No guarantees of success.
Get Started With Our News Removal Service today
Guaranteed Removals News Article Removal Service
Guaranteed Removals news article removal service focuses on removing negative news articles from the internet, Google and other search engine providers. Our services aim to enhance your online reputation and build trust for you or your business.
There is no obligation or risk. You only pay after we permanently remove the negative article.
Get started and take control of your online presence today.
Practical steps to start
- Copy the exact URLs you want addressed.
- Take dated screenshots of the pages and the search results.
- If the article is wrong or outdated, gather proof.
- If the page was updated or deleted, use Google’s refresh tool.
- If you are in the EU or UK, consider a Right to be Forgotten request.
- If copyrighted content of yours was used, review.
- If none of the above fit, plan a suppression strategy.
