FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Everything You Need to Know
Got questions about the Right to Be Forgotten or how we handle removal requests? You’re in the right place. Our experts answer the most common concerns – clearly, honestly, and without the jargon.
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What is the Right to Be Forgotten?
The Right to Be Forgotten stems from a landmark 2014 EU Court of Justice ruling, allowing individuals to request the delisting of personal data that is outdated, irrelevant, or harmful from search engine results and websites.
Am I eligible to make a removal request?
Yes. Individuals can request the removal of personal data that appears in search engine results. This right applies to people, not businesses or corporate entities. Requests must relate to specific content and are assessed against established criteria, such as whether the information is outdated, overly intrusive, or no longer appropriate to display in search results.
How do organisations respond to these requests?
Search engines and data controllers are legally obligated to respond, usually within 30 days. Organisations must weigh your privacy rights against public interest and free speech before deciding.
What circumstances override the Right to Be Forgotten?
Your request can be denied if the content is needed for:
Freedom of expression or the public interest
Official, regulatory, or record-keeping purposes
Ongoing disputes, claims, or matters where the information remains relevant
What types of content can be removed?
Content that may be eligible for removal includes information that is:
No longer relevant or necessary for the purpose it was originally published
Inaccurate, misleading, or outdated
Published without your consent
Handled or shared inappropriately
Intrusive to your privacy or causing disproportionate harm
Each request is reviewed individually, and outcomes depend on how the content is assessed by the search engine.
How long does the removal process take?
Timelines vary, but the vast majority of Right to Be Forgotten requests receive an initial response within 30 days. Full resolution can take 4–8 weeks, depending on case complexity and appeal needs.
ICO appeal timelines can vary depending on case complexity and departmental turnaround times.
What happens if my Right To Be Forgotten/ICO appeal is unsuccessful?
Unfortunately, neither search engines nor the ICO are required to remove content in every case – the final decision always rests with them. If your request is unsuccessful at both stages, we will always explain clearly why the decision was made and what, if any, further options exist.
In some cases there may be alternative routes worth exploring, such as contacting the website hosting the content directly, seeking legal advice or revisiting the request if your circumstances change. We will always give you an honest assessment rather than pursue a course of action unlikely to succeed.
What we can guarantee is that your case will be handled thoroughly, professionally, and with your best interests at the centre of everything we do.
Are there circumstances where you cannot assist?
We assess every request on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the nature of the information and the surrounding circumstances. While many requests can be supported, there are certain cases that fall outside our eligibility criteria. If this applies to your situation, we will inform you clearly and promptly.
What if I have any questions during the appeals process?
You’ll have a dedicated account manager throughout your appeal, available to answer questions, provide updates, and guide you through each stage of the process.
Is this service confidential?
Absolutely. Every case is handled with the highest level of discretion and data security. We never share your details or case files without your consent.
How much do your services cost?
Our full price guide is available here.
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