Remember the Google forget? Here is how it works as explained by Google

Google, just like us, possesses the capability to ‘forget’––however, this procedure is far from being automatic.

During a past conversation with a European data protection group, Google disclosed how it processes requests for search link removals, in line with the ‘right to be forgotten’ backed by a European court decision. The talk happened after the group had earlier queried Google concerning its removal method after the start of deletions in June.

Alongside two other unidentified U.S. search engines, Google told the group about their case-by-case strategy in processing removal requests. Interestingly, the power of making key decisions lies with freshly employed staff, claims Google. Companies that specialize in helping people with link deletion requests have reportedly started facing rejections, according to The New York Times.

Google, in a letter sent to the working team, emphasized that its strategies may evolve with time, and it anticipates staying in regular contact with data protection authorities. The company also outlined the guidelines it abides by to decide if a link removal request should be honored or not, largely echoing the court’s directive issued in May.

Google admitted facing a handful of issues, including inconsistencies in policies concerning the disclosure of full names in court files across various EU countries. It also acknowledged challenges in authenticating the trustworthiness of online media and in recognizing whether they count as “reputable” news outlets.

While informing users about potential alterations in search outcomes regarding specific names due to legal enforcement actions, Google avoids revealing specific details about the affected inquiries.

Google also highlighted the lack of an effective method to translate the court order into a computer system that can differentiate between public interest and private data. Google clarified that no automated system is involved in deletions, with each request being evaluated individually by human staff. Moreover, the company has committed substantial manpower to handle these removals.

To provide a grasp of this operation’s magnitude, within the first seven weeks of making this specific form available, Google received about 91,000 requests. They’re in the process of clearing this backlog, with around 53 percent of requests approved so far. Google has denied 32 percent of the requests, providing reasons for each, and has sought additional information in 15 percent of the cases. Although decisions have been reversed in some instances, one notable case involved The Guardian newspaper. An argument from a UK House of Lords subcommittee criticized the court’s guidelines as “vague, ambiguous, and unhelpful,” as reported by the BBC.

This article was revised in 2025 to improve readability.

Light edits were made in 2025 to improve clarity and relevance.