The internet never forgets. Or does it?
Every year, people try to erase old content. Embarrassing posts. Outdated news stories. Personal details that never should’ve been public. Some of it sticks around forever. But some of it can be removed.
So, can you really remove something from the internet? Let’s break it down.
Table of Contents
Why Do People Want Things Removed?
There are a few common reasons.
Some people want to move on from a bad moment. Maybe they were part of a lawsuit, and the case was dropped, but the article is still on Google. Others want privacy. They didn’t agree to have their name in a blog, but there it is. And some are just tired of outdated info showing up first in search results.
In 2024, Google got over 6.5 million content removal requests. Most of them came from people, not companies.
A tech recruiter in Melbourne shared this: “I had a blog post from 2013 where I made some predictions about hiring trends. I was wrong. That post kept popping up when people Googled me. It got awkward. I finally had to go to the site owner and ask them to take it down.”
Not all site owners are that helpful. That’s where things get tricky.
What Actually Stays Online?
Most of the internet runs on third-party platforms. News sites. Forums. Social platforms. These sites control their own content. If you want something removed, you usually need to ask the site directly.
Search engines like Google don’t host the content. They just link to it. So even if something is off Google, it might still be live on the original site.
Here’s the catch. If a site refuses to take something down, it can stay online for years. Even if it’s false or outdated.
What Can Be Removed?
Some content can be removed. But it depends on what it is and where it is.
1. Content You Own
If it’s on your blog or your account, you can delete it. That includes old tweets, posts, videos, or website pages.
But even then, it might be stored in web archives. Tools like the Wayback Machine copy pages every day. So even after deletion, someone might still find an old version.
To fix that, submit a request to the Internet Archive to exclude your site from being saved. It won’t erase old snapshots, but it can stop new ones from being made.
2. Content That Violates Terms
Most websites have terms of service. If content violates those rules, it might be removed.
For example, Google lets you request takedowns for non-consensual content, doxxing, financial info, or impersonation. Facebook has similar rules for harassment, threats, or fake accounts.
These processes take time. But if the content breaks a rule, you’ve got a shot.
3. Content That’s Illegal
This is the cleanest path. If something is defamatory, fake, or violates your rights, you can get a lawyer involved. In some countries, like Australia and Germany, local laws are stronger when it comes to online reputation.
Legal action can also be used to remove news articles that are false or misleading. But the bar is high. Courts won’t remove articles just because they’re embarrassing. You need proof of harm or falsehood.
What About Google?
Google is the first stop for most people. If a link doesn’t show up there, it feels like it doesn’t exist.
There are a few Google tools worth knowing:
- Results About You: This helps remove personal info like your address or phone number.
- Outdated Content Tool: This works if the page was changed or deleted, but the old version still shows up.
- Legal Removal Requests: For defamation, copyright, or European “Right to be Forgotten” cases.
One startup founder shared, “We launched a beta that failed hard. One angry blogger tore us apart. Three years later, that post still ranks. I tried everything. Google said no, the blog said no. It cost us deals.”
He ended up hiring a firm to push the post down using SEO. Not ideal, but it worked.
Actionable Steps You Can Take
Step 1: Find Everything That’s Out There
Search your name on Google, Bing, and DuckDuckGo. Use quotes around your name to get exact matches. Look through at least the first five pages.
Then run a check on Pipl or Spokeo. These sites scan public records and scrape data from social platforms. You might find your old phone number or even a high school photo you forgot existed.
Make a list. Prioritise what matters most.
Step 2: Contact the Site Directly
If the content is on a blog or forum, look for a “Contact” or “About” page. Be polite and clear. Explain who you are, what content you’re referring to, and why you want it removed.
Attach any legal documents or proof, like court orders or corrected facts. Don’t threaten them. That rarely works.
Some will ignore you. Others will help. You won’t know until you ask.
Step 3: Request Removal from Search Engines
If the site won’t help, try to remove it from search results.
Go to Google’s removal tools. If the content has personal info or is no longer live, it might qualify.
Submit a request. Include screenshots, URLs, and a short explanation. Be specific. Vague requests get denied.
Step 4: Suppress What You Can’t Delete
If you can’t erase it, you can bury it.
Make new content. Set up a personal site. Write LinkedIn articles. Publish videos or interviews. Link them together. The goal is to push the unwanted result off the first page of search results.
This is called suppression. It’s not perfect, but it works. Especially if you use your full name consistently across all new content.
Final Tips
Check your name every month. Set up Google Alerts so you get notified when your name appears online. The faster you find something, the easier it is to fix.
Be careful with your data. Think before you post. Even if you delete it later, someone might’ve already copied it.
A podcast host once said, “I deleted an episode after a guest complained. It was gone, but someone had ripped it and uploaded it to YouTube. I had no control over it anymore.”
The internet doesn’t always forget. But with the right steps, you can control what people see.
Start with what matters most. Take action. And remember, even if you can’t erase everything, you can still shape your online story.
