How do I remove a news article from Google?
Removal guide
The answer
You usually cannot make Google delete a news article from the web, but you have three realistic options. Ask the publisher to correct, update or remove it; in the UK or EU, ask Google to delist it from searches for your name under data protection law if it is outdated, inaccurate or excessive; or, if it is defamatory, take legal advice. Where none of these succeed, building stronger accurate results can push it down.
Step by step
- Check what the article actually saysNote every inaccuracy with evidence, and anything that is now out of date.
- Contact the publisherUse the editor or corrections contact. Ask for a correction, an update, anonymisation or removal, and explain why.
- Consider a delisting requestIf you are an individual in the UK or EU, submit Google's personal information removal request for the URL and your name.
- Escalate a refusalResubmit with better evidence or complain to the ICO if you believe the balance was struck wrongly.
- Take legal advice if the article is false and seriously harmfulA media solicitor can assess whether defamation or privacy law applies.
UK, EU and US at a glance
| Jurisdiction | Position |
|---|---|
| UK | Delisting available under UK GDPR Article 17 for individuals. |
| EU | Delisting available under EU GDPR Article 17. |
| US | No equivalent right. Publisher requests, legal routes and search repair only. |
Common mistakes
- Threatening the publisher, which can prompt a follow-up story
- Paying a website to remove content
- Filing vague requests without per-URL reasons
When to get help. If the article is on a major news site, if you have been refused, or if several articles are involved, a structured approach is usually worth it. See Remove Negative Content.
Start with a confidential conversation
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