🔍 Can I ask for my information to be removed from Google?

With conditions

Quick answer

Yes, within certain limits. The right to be forgotten lets you ask search engines (like Google) to de-index —stop showing in results linked to your name— links to personal information that is outdated, inaccurate, excessive or no longer relevant. It's an expression of the GDPR rights of erasure and objection. You can also ask whoever publishes the data directly to delete it. It's not absolute: it's weighed against the public interest and freedom of information, so it doesn't apply when the information is of public relevance (e.g. about public officials or current newsworthy facts). You request it from the search engine or controller and, if denied, you can complain to the AEPD.

📋 The rules

Lets you de-index non-relevant personal info from search engines
Based on the GDPR rights of erasure and objection
You can also ask the publisher to delete it
Not absolute: weighed against the public interest
If denied: complaint to the AEPD

🔓 Exceptions

Information of public relevance or about public officials: usually prevails
Data needed by legal obligation or for claims: not deleted
De-indexing doesn't erase the original source: only hides it in results by your name

⚠️ Penalties & fines

There's no 'penalty' for requesting it: if the search engine or controller denies your request without cause, you can complain to the AEPD, which can order the erasure or de-indexing and, where applicable, sanction the controller. Note that de-indexing doesn't delete the news item or source website: it only stops it appearing in results linked to your name; to remove the content at source you must contact whoever publishes it. Provide the link, your identification and the reason (outdated, inaccurate, harmful information) to support the request.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-06-20

❓ Frequently asked

What is the right to be forgotten?

It's the right to ask search engines to stop showing, among results linked to your name, links to outdated, inaccurate, excessive or no-longer-relevant personal information. It derives from the GDPR rights of erasure and objection.

Can I delete any information about me?

No. The right to be forgotten isn't absolute: it's weighed against the public interest and freedom of information. It doesn't apply when the information is of public relevance (e.g. about public officials or current newsworthy facts) or is needed by a legal obligation.

How do I exercise the right to be forgotten?

By filing a request with the search engine (which usually has a form) or with the controller publishing the data, identifying yourself, providing the link and explaining why the information should no longer appear. If denied, you can complain to the AEPD.

Is de-indexing the same as deleting the news item?

No. De-indexing only stops the link appearing in the search engine's results linked to your name, but the news item or source website still exist. To remove the content at source you must contact whoever publishes it.

What if Google denies my request?

You can file a complaint with the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD), which will assess whether de-indexing applies, weighing your rights against the public interest. If it sides with you, it can order erasure and sanction the controller.

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