Overview

• The decision asserts a limited right under federal privacy law to remove certain results from searches of a person’s name when the risk to safety or dignity outweighs the public interest.
• The recommended remedy targets only name-based queries, leaving the underlying news articles online and discoverable through other search terms.
• The case involves coverage of a criminal charge that was later dropped, which the complainant says led to social stigma, lost work opportunities and physical assault.
• Google says the approach insufficiently considers freedom of expression and access to information, argues courts should define any such right, and says it is reviewing the report.
• The dispute dates to 2017 and follows a 2023 Federal Court of Appeal ruling upholding the commissioner’s authority, with the watchdog now considering options to secure compliance.