Right To Be Forgotten

The Right to be forgotten is a consumer privacy right that allows individuals to request the deletion or removal of their personal data by companies and organizations.

Example #1

For example, if a person no longer wants their personal information to be available online, they can request a search engine to remove links to outdated or irrelevant information about them.

Example #2

Another example is when a social media user decides to delete their account, they should have the right to ensure that all their personal data associated with that account is permanently erased.

Misuse

Misuse of the Right to be forgotten could occur if a company unjustly denies a legitimate request for data deletion. This could lead to situations where outdated, inaccurate, or sensitive information continues to be accessible, potentially harming the individual's reputation or privacy.

Benefits

The Right to be forgotten empowers individuals to have control over their personal information online. For instance, if someone was involved in a minor legal issue in the past but has since been cleared or rehabilitated, they can request the removal of such information from search results, helping them move forward without repercussions.

Conclusion

Protecting the Right to be forgotten is crucial in safeguarding individuals' privacy and reputation, ensuring that outdated or irrelevant personal data does not unjustly linger online. By allowing consumers the ability to delete or remove their data when it's no longer necessary or relevant, this right upholds their autonomy and privacy rights.

Related Terms

Data PrivacyPersonal DataGDPRUser ConsentData ProtectionData Subject Rights