Google Releases Delisting Request Data, 2.4 Million Requests To Remove Info So Far

When the EU introduced its “right to be forgotten” laws in 2014, many of its citizens filed for their information or for certain URLs to be removed from Google’s list of resources. This has led to more than a few unfortunate instances where people’s darkest secrets were revealed in the course of the process in an attempt to hide those secrets. Now, Google is releasing data on the 2.4 million delisting requests that have been filed so far.

The reason for the disclosure is in keeping with Google’s attempt to become more transparent, The Verge reports. The data basically includes a breakdown of those who applied for delisting, which includes private individuals and government officials, as well as companies that have made the requests.

The type of content that was requested to be delisted will be included, as well, along with the reason for why the request was made. Apparently, “professional information” is right at the top of these reasons with “Self-authored” following close behind.

Naturally, the crimes committed by certain individuals and even professional wrongdoings were included. These would be some of the most understandable in terms of reasons for wanting to be delisted since they could impact many things in their lives.

In terms of which countries made use of the law most, France, Germany, and the UK were at the top of the list, Engadget reports. The majority of the request came from individuals who don’t want their personal information thrown out there for just anybody to see, but it seems there is also a rising trend in the form of reputation fixing by certain law firms.

Those who don’t want to be seen on Google basically hire lawyers to file the delisting request for them, with all the weight of their profession baring down on the company. It seems many in the EU simply don’t like to be known publicly, or at least, certain parts of their lives.