# How do you remove personal information from Google search? In May 2014, the [European Court of Justice (ECJ)](https://european-union.europa.eu/institutions-law-budget/institutions-and-bodies/search-all-eu-institutions-and-bodies/court-justice-european-union-cjeu_en "Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU)") in Luxembourg ruled that, under certain conditions, search engines such as Google must remove some search results in the European Union when they contain personal data that is incorrect, outdated, irrelevant, or disproportionately harmful. While this ‘right to be forgotten’ is an EU legal concept, a similar right exists in the United Kingdom under the UK GDPR. We explain how to remove personal information from Google. ## How to remove personal information from Google using the form To remove personal information from Google, you can use the search engine’s [request form](https://reportcontent.google.com/forms/rtbf "Request to remove personal information from Google Search"). For other types of content, such as images of minors or non-consensual explicit material, Google provides separate [removal forms](https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/3143948 "Content you can request to be removed"). If the issue is outdated information, you can submit a request through the [refresh outdated content tool](https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/6349986 "Refresh outdated content form on Google"). ### Filling out the request form The following instructions explain how to fill out the form so you can remove personal information from Google. - **Step 1**: Open the [form to remove personal information](https://reportcontent.google.com/forms/rtbf "Request to remove personal information from Google Search") on Google. - **Step 2**: Select the country where the request applies, usually your country of residence. - **Step 3**: Enter your name and email address. You can also submit the request on behalf of someone else by selecting the relevant option. - **Step 4**: If the content appears under a different name, such as a nickname or stage name, indicate this under ‘Your Search Query’ and enter the name used. - **Step 5**: Add the URLs you want removed from search results. Use the links exactly as they appear in Google. To include multiple URLs, select ‘+ Add URL’ and provide a separate explanation for each one. - **Step 6**: Confirm the declaration, agree to the data processing terms, and verify that your information is accurate. Then enter your name as a signature and submit the request. [![Image: Form to request Google to remove your personal information](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/0/a/csm_delete-personal-information-google_919e7e80e9.webp "Form to request Google to remove your personal information")](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2026/delete-personal-information-google.jpg) The request to remove personal info can be submitted for yourself or for third parties. ### Using the menu You can also request the removal of personal information, such as contact details, ID numbers, financial data, or passwords, directly from Google Search. To do this, open the three-dot menu next to a search result and select ‘Remove result’. The steps below show how to proceed. - **Step 1**: Click the three-dot menu to the right of the displayed search result in Google Search and select the ‘Remove result’ option. - **Step 2**: Click the option ‘It shows my personal info and I don’t want it there’ and then select the type of information that the chosen URL reveals about you. - **Step 3**: Fill out the fields that appear and finally submit your request using the ‘Submit’ button. Note The data itself is not removed from the internet. Only the search results, meaning the links shown on results pages, are deleted. The information remains available, but it is harder to find. It is therefore advisable to contact other search engines as well. For example, Bing also offers a form for removal requests. ## Why does Google have to remove search results under the EU ‘right to be forgotten’? It began in 2014 with the **Google Spain ruling**. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled in favour of a Spanish citizen who had asked Google to remove links to articles about him. The information in those articles was outdated, and he argued that it harmed his reputation. Based on the EU Data Protection Directive, the court established the ‘right to be forgotten’, requiring Google to remove the links. The idea behind the right to be forgotten was also incorporated into the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which replaced the EU Data Protection Directive in 2018. Strictly speaking, the right to be forgotten is not an independent term in the GDPR. Rather, it is a specific form of the right to erasure anchored in Article 17. [Article 17 GDPR](https://gdpr-info.eu/art-17-gdpr/ "Art. 17 GDPR") states that, in principle, there is a right to **erase personal data from the internet** and prevent further dissemination. The term ‘right to be forgotten’ has ultimately become established, particularly in connection with search engines like Google. Note Since 2024, Google no longer provides website operators with detailed information about removals carried out under the right to be forgotten. This change was introduced to better protect the privacy of individuals submitting these requests. ### What is Google required to remove, and what is exempt? Google does not have to approve every removal request. In particular, when it comes to **public figures** such as politicians or celebrities, the public’s right to access information may outweigh an individual’s request for removal. In addition, this right applies only to individuals, not to companies. The following situations are good reasons to request the deletion of [personal information](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/websites/digital-law/personal-data/) from Google: - **Outdated content**: If information is no longer accurate and continues to negatively affect you, Google may remove the result. - **No public interest**: If the content is not relevant to the public, removal may be possible. - **Incorrect content**: Google may remove links if you can demonstrate that the information is clearly false. - **Violation of personal rights**: If your rights are infringed, for example through false allegations, you have strong grounds for requesting removal. Within the EU, Google can be required under the GDPR to remove search results containing personal data. However, according to case law from the European Court of Justice, this obligation generally applies only within the EU and does not extend worldwide. In practice, this means that removed results are typically no longer visible to users in the EU, but may still appear for users in other regions. ### What type of content can UK users request Google to remove from search results? UK users can request the removal of search results in two main ways, either under data protection law (right to erasure) or through Google’s own content removal policies. Requests may be successful in cases involving: - Personal contact information such as phone numbers, email addresses, or home addresses - Government-issued ID numbers (e.g. passport or driver’s license details) - Financial or highly sensitive personal data - Non-consensual explicit images or content, including images of minors - Doxxing or other personally identifiable information shared maliciously - Content that exposes individuals to fraud, identity theft, or harassment In addition, under UK data protection law, removal may be granted if the information is inaccurate, outdated, irrelevant, or no longer in the public interest. ### Is it possible to delete entries yourself? You cannot remove entries from Google yourself, but you can submit a request. Google reviews each request and decides whether to take action, so it may take some time before you receive a response. In addition to contacting Google, you can also reach out to the website operator directly. If the content is changed or removed at the source, the corresponding search results on Google will usually be updated as well. Tip You also have the option to [delete Google reviews](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/online-marketing/online-sales/delete-bad-google-reviews/). This allows you to take action against false claims about your business. You also always have the option to [delete your own Google account](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/online-marketing/social-media/how-to-delete-a-google-account/) if you do not want the search engine to know too much about you. Please note the [legal notice](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/disclaimer/) for this article. This is a markdown version of: [https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/websites/digital-law/deleting-a-google-result-and-protecting-personal-data/](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/websites/digital-law/deleting-a-google-result-and-protecting-personal-data/) for AI/LLM consumption.