Right to be Forgotten

Definition

The right to be forgotten is a legal concept that allows individuals to request the removal of their personal information from the internet, particularly from search engine results, under certain conditions. This right emphasizes an individual's control over their own data, promoting privacy and the ability to erase information that is no longer relevant or accurate. It connects closely with data protection laws that aim to empower users regarding their personal data in the digital space.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The right to be forgotten gained prominence through the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which came into effect in 2018.
2. This right is not absolute; requests must meet certain criteria, such as demonstrating that the information is outdated, irrelevant, or excessive.
3. Search engines like Google have established procedures for individuals to submit requests for de-listing their personal information based on this right.
4. The right to be forgotten has sparked debates about freedom of expression and the balance between privacy rights and the public's right to access information.
5. Different jurisdictions may interpret and enforce the right to be forgotten differently, creating challenges for companies operating internationally.

Review Questions

• How does the right to be forgotten empower individuals regarding their personal data online?
  • The right to be forgotten empowers individuals by granting them the ability to request the removal of outdated or irrelevant personal information from search engines and online platforms. This control enhances privacy by allowing individuals to manage their digital footprint and prevent harmful or misleading information from affecting their reputation. As a result, it reinforces the idea that individuals should have a say in how their personal data is handled in the digital landscape.
• Discuss the implications of the right to be forgotten for businesses operating in multiple jurisdictions with different privacy laws.
  • The right to be forgotten creates complexities for businesses that operate across various jurisdictions, as they must navigate differing regulations regarding personal data. Companies need to implement robust data management practices to comply with laws like GDPR in Europe while also adhering to potentially less stringent privacy laws in other regions. This can lead to increased operational costs and challenges in ensuring uniformity in data handling practices, all while balancing user expectations and legal requirements.
• Evaluate the potential conflicts between the right to be forgotten and freedom of expression in today's digital age.
  • Evaluating the potential conflicts between the right to be forgotten and freedom of expression reveals a nuanced tension in the digital age. On one hand, individuals seek to protect their privacy and control their personal narratives by having harmful or irrelevant information removed. On the other hand, this may hinder public access to information and impede journalistic endeavors. Balancing these two rights requires careful consideration of context, relevance, and societal value, making it a complex issue in contemporary discussions on privacy and freedom.

Related terms

Data Subject: An individual whose personal data is being collected, processed, or stored by an organization.

Consent: An agreement from a data subject that allows an organization to collect and process their personal data.

Personal Data: Any information that relates to an identified or identifiable individual, including names, email addresses, and online identifiers.