The "Right to be Forgotten" is a relatively new but critically important concept in the digital age, giving individuals the ability to request the removal of outdated, inadequate, or irrelevant personal data from the internet. This right is especially crucial for those whose past mistakes, old court cases, or compromising material still appear in Google searches years later, hindering employment, business activities, or personal life. In Georgia, under the new Personal Data Protection legislation aligned with European standards (GDPR), citizens have the right to request data erasure if its processing no longer serves a legal purpose. A qualified lawyer helps navigate this complex technical-legal process.
What does this service cover?
The Right to be Forgotten request service includes:
- Digital Audit: Monitoring the internet space and identifying specific URLs containing unwanted information about the client.
- Legal Justification: Preparing argumentation on why specific information should be removed (e.g., information is outdated, inaccurate, or infringes on privacy).
- Communication with Google/Search Engines: Filling out official forms and communicating with search engines to request content de-indexing (removal from search results).
- Negotiation with Websites: Direct contact with website administrators or hosting providers demanding content removal.
- Appeal to Data Protection Service: If the data processor refuses erasure, filing a complaint with the State Inspector.
Common Real-World Scenarios
The right to be forgotten is relevant in cases such as:
- Old Criminal Records: A person was convicted 10 years ago, the sentence is served, and the record expunged, but old articles about the arrest still pop up in Google, preventing employment.
- Revenge Porn: An ex-partner disseminated intimate photos. Immediate removal from all platforms is necessary.
- Outdated Financial Info: Old information about a person's bankruptcy is searchable, even though their financial situation has recovered.
- Minors' Data: Embarrassing photos or videos taken in childhood that cause discomfort in adulthood.