The “right to be forgottenâ€: Asserting control over our digital identity or reâ€writing history?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14600/irpps_wps.83.2016Keywords:
“Right to be forgottenâ€, Right to privacy, Freedom of expression, Data Protection Directive (95/46/EC)Abstract
The dramatic expansion of Internet over the past twenty years has presented society with fresh dilemmas regarding the balance of non-absolute fundamental rights, specifically the conflict between the right to freedom of expression on the one hand, and the right to privacy and data protection on the other. In this context, this paper analyses the case of Google Spain, concerning a Spanish citizen’s request to have personal information de-listed from Internet search engines. Following a description of the case, the implications as well as the controversies surrounding the CJEU’s ruling on the “right to be forgotten†will be explored. The paper concludes that despite the many grey areas left by the CJEU’s decision, the case has ignited an important discussion regarding individuals’ relationship with the Internet, which has moved beyond the legal arena and permeated civil society.References
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