Right to be Forgotten: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to request the removal of old or irrelevant personal data from internet search results in Spain.
The Right to be Forgotten is a legal mechanism that allows individuals to ask for certain personal information to be removed from internet search results.
Who it's for
This scheme is intended for any individual who finds that their personal data is being surfaced online in a way that is no longer relevant. If you find that old information is still appearing in searches and you want that data to be removed, you may qualify to make a request.
What you get
The primary benefit of this right is the removal of specific search results or old content from the internet. This process, sometimes referred to as "cancelación de datos," helps ensure that outdated or unnecessary information about your life does not continue to be easily accessible to others through digital searches.
What it costs you
There is no monetary fee to exercise this right. However, it does require an investment of your time to manage the formal request process. You will need to prepare your request and follow the specific steps required to ask the relevant platforms to take action.
The catch to know
While this is a powerful tool for personal privacy, it is not absolute. The right does not apply to public figures in the public interest, meaning certain individuals may not be able to use this mechanism if the information is deemed necessary for the public to know.
How to apply
- Determine exactly which pieces of old or irrelevant data you want to have removed.
- Locate the specific search results or content that you are targeting.
- Initiate the formal request process with the relevant website or search engine.
- Monitor the status of your request through the official channels provided.