Does your personal data appear in search results? Do not panic: there are several techniques allowing you to erase his digital presence. Because yes, it is never pleasant to see your phone number, email address, or even worse, identity documents or bank details circulating on the Internet.
Did you know ? Established in 2014 by the Court of Justice of the European Union, the right to be forgotten allows you to request the removal of a link appearing in the search results. This link must contain the name of the person who wishes to remove this link.
Contact search engines
To have a web page removed (dereferenced), first contact the search engines (Google, Bing, Yahoo, Qwant, etc.).
Good to know : the steps presented below only concern the deletion of personal data in a search engine. Despite these requests, your data will not entirely disappear from the Internet. So try to be vigilant when you communicate your personal information and check that the site complies with GDPR standards!
The Google search engine may erase your personal data from search results. First, complete the personal information deletion request form. After having filled in your personal information (last name, first name, email address, etc.), you will be asked to identify the personal information you want to delete, their location (URL) and the reasons for this deletion. It only takes a few minutes to complete this form.
Did you know ? Beyond the mention of your name, Google allows you to request the deletion of other information, such as bank account numbers, credit card numbers, your identity documents or your passwords. Go to this dedicated page to start the process.
Want to remove your data from other search engines? Find here the different links for Bing, Yahoo and Qwant.
Contact the sites in question
To have your personal data removed more quickly and to exercise your right of opposition, contact the manager of the site in question directly. His name and contact details appear in the “legal notices” section or in the general conditions of use of the site, at the bottom of the website. If this information is not available, a contact form can also help you contact the said person.
Not sure how to write your application? The CNIL website provides model letters right here.
Important : To respond to your request, the site manager has one month. After this time, follow the next step.
Contact the CNIL
To make your right to be forgotten and your right to object work, send a complaint to the CNIL. To build your file, you will be asked to attach a copy of the letter you sent to the site manager, and his possible response. You don’t know how to start these procedures with the CNIL? The Commission has made an information page available to help you understand how to exercise your rights.
LR