Getting harmful content out of Google search

Google does not remove results just because they are unfair. These are the routes that work.

For many people the real damage is not the post itself. It is the search result that shows up under their name.

Remove it at the source first

Google indexes what is on the web. If the page is deleted or edited, the result follows. Once the source has changed, Google's outdated content tool speeds up the refresh.

Legal removal requests

Google accepts requests based on law, including copyright infringement and court orders. A court order finding that specific statements are defamatory is the strongest tool for content a site refuses to take down.

Personal information

Google has a process for removing results that show home addresses, phone numbers, ID numbers, bank details and explicit images shared without consent.

What does not work

Flagging a result because it is embarrassing, old or one-sided. In the United States there is no general right to be forgotten of the kind that exists in Europe.

A realistic plan

List every URL and sort them by type. Some will be copyright matters, some privacy matters and some defamation. Each type goes through a different channel, and filing in the wrong one causes delay.