Search Engine Delisting Request (Right to Be Forgotten)
A formal letter requesting a search engine to delist URLs from search results under UK GDPR Article 17 (right to erasure / delisting).
When to use this template
Use this template to formally request that a search engine (Google, Bing, or other) delist specific URLs from search results about you. The right arises under UK GDPR Article 17 where the personal data indexed is: no longer necessary for the purpose for which it was collected; processed unlawfully; or where you withdraw consent (where consent was the legal basis). It is commonly used for outdated news articles, old criminal conviction records, and irrelevant personal information.
When NOT to use this template
The right to delisting is not absolute. It does not apply where the data is necessary for: freedom of expression and information; compliance with a legal obligation; reasons of substantial public interest; or the establishment, exercise, or defence of legal claims. Do not use this template if the information is accurate, current, and genuinely in the public interest — a refusal is likely and may draw more attention to the material.
Legal Basis
UK GDPR Article 17 (right to erasure); Data Protection Act 2018; Google Spain SL v Agencia Española de Protección de Datos [2014] CJEU C-131/12 (right to delisting from search results). The UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) can investigate complaints about refusals to delist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Submitting through the online form only without keeping a copy — always send a formal letter to the data controller's DPO to create a clear paper trail
- ✗Not specifying the exact URLs to be delisted — vague requests will be refused
- ✗Not explaining why the information is outdated, irrelevant, or no longer necessary
- ✗Assuming the delisting will remove the content from the internet — it removes it from search results only
- ✗Failing to complain to the ICO if the request is unreasonably refused
Build Your Letter
Fill in your details
Complete the fields below. Required fields are marked with *.
Letter preview
[YOUR FULL NAME] [YOUR ADDRESS] [YOUR EMAIL] [DATE OF LETTER] Data Protection Officer [SEARCH ENGINE NAME] [SEARCH ENGINE'S ADDRESS / DPO ADDRESS] --- Dear Data Protection Officer, **REQUEST FOR DELISTING FROM SEARCH RESULTS — UK GDPR ARTICLE 17** I am writing to exercise my right to erasure and delisting under Article 17 of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and section 47 of the Data Protection Act 2018. **My Identity** Full name: [YOUR FULL NAME] Date of birth: [YOUR DATE OF BIRTH] Email address: [YOUR EMAIL] I am the data subject to whom the personal data in the URLs listed below relates. **The URLs I Am Requesting Be Delisted** I request that the following URLs be removed from your search engine index when my name (and variants of it) is searched: [URLS TO BE DELISTED (ONE PER LINE)] **The Personal Data Concerned** The personal data indexed at the above URLs concerns: [DESCRIPTION OF THE PERSONAL DATA INDEXED] **Grounds for Delisting** I rely on Article 17(1) of the UK GDPR on the following grounds: [UK GDPR ARTICLE 17 GROUNDS] In particular, I note that: [SPECIFIC REASONS THE INFORMATION IS OUTDATED/IRRELEVANT/HARMFUL] **Why the Exceptions in Article 17(3) Do Not Apply** I understand that the right to erasure does not apply where the data is necessary for: freedom of expression and information; compliance with a legal obligation; or substantial public interest. I address these as follows: [WHY ARTICLE 17(3) EXCEPTIONS DO NOT APPLY] **What I Am Requesting** I request that you: (a) Confirm in writing within one calendar month whether you will comply with this request; (b) Delist the above URLs from your search engine for searches that include my name; (c) If you refuse, provide the specific grounds and which exception in Article 17(3) you are relying on. If I am not satisfied with your response, I will complain to the Information Commissioner's Office at ico.org.uk. Yours faithfully, [YOUR FULL NAME]
Unfilled fields appear as [FIELD NAME]. Review the letter carefully before sending. This template is a starting point — adapt it to your specific circumstances.