How to remove Google search results about yourself in Netherlands

You can have Google remove search results about yourself by submitting a removal request via Google's official form, based on the 'right to be forgotten' (recht op vergetelheid) under the GDPR. This right gives you control over your online reputation and privacy, which is increasingly important in our digital society for expats living in the Netherlands.

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The short answer

Google must remove search results about you under certain conditions if you request this via their official form. This right applies especially to outdated, irrelevant or incorrect information that harms your privacy. Google assesses each request individually and weighs your privacy interest against the public interest of information. The procedure is free and usually takes several weeks. Note: only the search results disappear, the original webpage remains online.

What does Dutch law say?

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which applies in the Netherlands, gives you the 'right to be forgotten' or 'right to erasure' (recht op vergetelheid). This means that companies like Google must delete personal data about you under certain circumstances. The right applies especially when the information is no longer relevant, is incorrect, or when there is no longer a justified interest for processing. Google must respond to your request within thirty days.

1Article 17 GDPR: right to erasure ('right to be forgotten')

2Data must be erased if it's no longer necessary for the original purpose

3Balancing between privacy interest and freedom of information and expression

What should you watch out for?

Not all requests are granted - Google refuses removal if there is a justified public interest. Think of news articles about public figures, legal judgements or information of general interest. You must also specify exactly which search results you want removed and explain why.

1News value and public interest can block removal

2You must upload a valid identity document

3Only search results disappear, not the original webpages

4The process can take several weeks to months

Example from practice

Suppose 10 years ago you committed a minor offence that appeared in the local newspaper, and this article still appears at the top when searching your name. You can ask Google to remove this search result because it harms your professional opportunities and the information is no longer relevant. Google will assess whether your privacy interest outweighs the public interest of this information. Since it concerns an old, minor offence without news value, there's a good chance Google will honour the request.

What can you do?

Start by completing Google's official form for removing search results.

1Go to Google's form for 'removal of information from Google Search'

2Fill in your personal details and upload a copy of your identity document

3Specify the exact search results you want removed and explain why

Conclusion

Removing Google search results about yourself is possible via the right to be forgotten under the GDPR as it applies in the Netherlands. Google assesses each request individually and weighs your privacy against the public interest of the information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for Google to process my request?

What if Google rejects my request?

Does the information also disappear from other search engines?

Does it cost money to have search results removed?

Can I also have search results about others removed?

Does the original webpage also disappear?

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