Search engines like Google have become indispensable for obtaining information quickly and conveniently. For example, before deciding, it is an excellent way to get a more detailed picture of the candidate in question. Displayed search results can thus influence an application or promotion. Unwanted entries, ratings or photos on Google or other search engines can quickly convey a false image of you or your company and thus damage your reputation.
The German law firm Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte offers extensive and committed legal assistance to provide our clients with the support they need. Our German lawyers have in-depth expertise in German Media and Freedom of Speech Law and many years of experience in protecting personal rights to enforce your claim for the deletion of entries quickly and effectively. They will help you or your company check search results for their harmfulness and, if necessary, remove them from Google and other search engines. We stand up for you to protect your rights and interests.
Removing Search Results
There are two ways to remove search results. On the one hand, you can request the operator of the specific website (i.e., the corresponding content’s publisher) to remove it. Once the entries on the website have been removed, the search engines will no longer display the related search results. However, this can take some time, depending on how frequently the search engines’ database is updated. Therefore, on the other hand, you can submit a deletion request directly to Google or the operator of another relevant search engine to speed up this process. The search engine operators provide corresponding forms on the internet for this purpose.
Acting against individual websites that provide specific content can take a lot of effort and time. It may be easier to achieve the desired success by filing a deletion request with Google. However, dealing with Google can also mean a lengthy process with a lot of justification and direct action against the website operator may seem more sensible. It is often advisable to pursue both paths in parallel and to request both the operator of the source and the search engine operator to remove the infringing content. If the requests are not complied with, a warning letter may follow. With this, the specific claim for deletion or injunctive relief is asserted.
In addition, the data subject can also contact the State Data Protection Commissioner. A complaint can be submitted to the data protection commissioner using an online form. The State Data Protection Commissioner has various powers of investigation and redress to enforce the right to erasure.
As a last resort, the filing of a complaint can be considered. In case of urgency, provisional legal protection may also be applied.