Google refusing to comply with “right to be forgotten” de-listing decision

By Canadian Press on August 27, 2025.

OTTAWA — The federal privacy commissioner says individuals have the right to have some information de-listed from search engine results but Google is refusing to comply.

The commissioner’s office says Google won’t implement a recommendation to de-list specific articles in the search results for an individual’s name.

The federal privacy commissioner recommended Google de-list articles about a criminal charge that was dropped.

The individual says the articles caused direct harm, including social stigma, lost job opportunities, and physical assault.

The case first began in 2017, with Google challenging the application of federal privacy law to its search engine.

The privacy commissioner asked the courts to weigh in and in 2023 the Federal Court of Appeal rejected Google’s appeal and the decision marked a victory for people seeking a digital “right to be forgotten” in Canada.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 27, 2025.

Anja Karadeglija, The Canadian Press

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