Introduction
The Right to Be Forgotten (RTBF) allows individuals in the EU and UK to request the removal of personal data from search engines and other online platforms. While it might seem straightforward, successfully removing unwanted content can be challenging, especially when dealing with Google, Bing, news websites, and legal complexities.
Many people attempt to handle RTBF requests on their own, only to face delays, rejections, or incomplete removals. That’s where ProAction Labs comes in. In this article, we compare DIY removal efforts versus working with a professional service like ProAction Labs.
1. The Right to Be Forgotten: How It Works
The RTBF is a legal provision under EU GDPR and UK GDPR that allows individuals to request the delisting of personal information that is irrelevant, outdated, or excessive.
To remove content, individuals must:
Identify the unwanted links.
Submit removal requests to search engines.
Provide a valid justification that meets legal criteria.
Possibly negotiate with website owners if the content is still hosted online.
Handle appeals and disputes if the request is denied.
While this sounds simple, many factors determine the success or failure of an RTBF request.
2. DIY Removal: What You’re Up Against
Many people start with a DIY approach, assuming they can quickly get content removed. However, they soon run into challenges:
a) Understanding Legal & Search Engine Criteria
Search engines like Google and Bing have strict RTBF policies.
Information must be inaccurate, outdated, excessive, or not in the public interest.
Courts have ruled that certain content, such as criminal records or professional misconduct, may remain public.
b) High Rejection Rates for DIY Requests
Many self-submitted RTBF requests fail due to insufficient justification.
Requests often lack the necessary legal framing to be approved.
Some search engines reject appeals outright, leaving individuals stuck with damaging content online.
c) Time-Consuming Process
Gathering evidence, filling out forms, and responding to denials takes time.
Some cases require months of back-and-forth with search engines and website owners.
Legal escalation may be necessary, but most individuals don’t know how to proceed.
d) Risk of Drawing More Attention to the Content
In some cases, making a removal request can lead to increased visibility, as websites update or republish the content.
Some web admins refuse to remove content and may even publicly disclose removal attempts, worsening the situation.
3. Why ProAction Labs is the Better Choice
At ProAction Labs, we specialise in Right to Be Forgotten requests and ensure the best chance of success. Here’s why working with professionals makes a difference:
a) Expert Knowledge of RTBF Regulations
Our team understands the legal criteria and search engine policies inside out.
We know how to frame requests to maximise approval chances.
We keep up to date with legal changes that could impact removals.
b) Higher Success Rates
We have experience handling complex cases, including news articles, public records, and social media posts.
Our strategic approach ensures requests are presented in the best possible way.
If a request is denied, we know how to escalate and appeal effectively.
c) Saves You Time and Hassle
Instead of spending hours researching, submitting, and following up, we handle everything for you.
We manage communications with search engines, website owners, and legal bodies.
Our fast-tracked process means you get results sooner.
d) Privacy-Focused & Discreet Service
We ensure full confidentiality when handling sensitive requests.
No risk of accidentally increasing attention to unwanted content.
We use legal and ethical strategies to remove data without making matters worse.
4. The Smart Choice for Online Privacy
While DIY removal attempts may seem like a cost-effective option, they often lead to frustration, failure, or even worsened visibility of unwanted content. By working with ProAction Labs, you ensure that your request is handled professionally, efficiently, and with the highest chance of success.
If you need to remove damaging or outdated content from search engines, contact ProAction Labs today for a confidential consultation. Protect your privacy with experts who know how to get results.
📞 Get in touch now and take control of your digital reputation!