Google refusing to comply with privacy commissioner’s ‘right to be forgotten’ decision

The right to be forgotten in the digital age has been a hot topic of debate, and a recent decision by the federal privacy commissioner has shed light on this issue. In a long-running case, Privacy Commissioner Philippe Dufresne recommended that Google de-list articles about a criminal charge that was dropped. However, Google has refused to comply with this recommendation, sparking a potential showdown between the tech giant and the Canadian government.
The case, which began in 2017, has been central to establishing the application of the “right to be forgotten” in Canada. The Privacy Commissioner’s office is now considering all available options to secure Google’s compliance with the law. This decision marks a victory for individuals seeking to protect their privacy and reputation online.
The commissioner found that individuals have the right, in limited circumstances, to have certain information de-listed from search engine results. This right applies when there is a risk of serious harm to an individual, such as harm to their safety or dignity. In this case, the individual argued that the articles about the dropped criminal charge had caused them direct harm, including social stigma, lost job opportunities, and even physical assault.
The commissioner’s recommendation to de-list the articles for searches of the individual’s name is a step towards protecting individuals’ privacy and reputation online. While the articles will still be available online and appear in results for other search terms, de-listing them from searches of the individual’s name can help mitigate the harm caused by this information.
This decision sets an important precedent for the right to be forgotten in Canada, and it will be interesting to see how Google responds to the commissioner’s recommendation. As the debate over privacy and online reputation continues, this case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting individuals’ rights in the digital age.