Can I remove a spent conviction from Google in the UK?
Removal guide
The answer
Often you have a reasonable case. Once a conviction is spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, search engines give significant weight to that when assessing a delisting request under data protection law, though they still consider the seriousness of the offence and your public role. News articles themselves usually remain on publishers' sites.
Step by step
- Confirm the conviction is spentCheck the rehabilitation period that applied.
- Identify the resultsSearch your name and variations.
- Submit delisting requestsExplain that the conviction is spent and why the result is no longer relevant.
- Contact publishersSome will anonymise older reports on request.
- Escalate refusalsComplain to the ICO if appropriate.
UK, EU and US at a glance
| Jurisdiction | Position |
|---|---|
| UK | Delisting under UK GDPR with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act as context. |
| EU | National rehabilitation laws vary. |
| US | No delisting right; expungement does not bind publishers. |
Common mistakes
- Assuming spent means automatically removable
- Missing some name variations
When to get help. Serious offences and public roles make cases harder; careful preparation matters. See Right to be Forgotten.
Start with a confidential conversation
Tell us as much or as little as you like. We sign an NDA before you share case details, and we will tell you honestly whether we can help.