Data Erasure
& Right to Erasure
GDPR Article 17 gives individuals the right to request deletion of their personal data and de-indexing of content from search engines. Pavesen manages the full data erasure process from assessment through submission to escalation.
The right to erasure explained clearly
Under GDPR Article 17, you have the right to request the erasure of your personal data and the de-indexing of search results that surface it. This applies if the data is no longer necessary, was processed unlawfully, or if your right to privacy now outweighs the public interest in the content.
For high-profile individuals, this is a vital tool for addressing historic news, outdated business records, or data held by brokers. Navigating this process requires specialist knowledge to identify qualifying grounds and handle cases where initial requests are declined.
What data erasure can address
Data erasure handled end to end
We begin with a legal assessment of the target content to determine which grounds under Article 17 apply. This step identifies the realistic prospects of a successful request. We do not pursue cases where the legal basis is weak; an honest assessment at the start protects you from wasted effort and prevents unsuccessful submissions that could prejudice later attempts.
Where the grounds are strong, we prepare and submit formal requests. We manage all communications with search engines, data brokers, publishers, and regulators on your behalf. If a request is declined, we advise on and manage the escalation process, including complaints to the ICO or legal action where appropriate. You are kept informed at every stage without needing to engage with the platforms yourself.
Data Erasure - Answered
What is data erasure under GDPR?
Data erasure, also known as the Right to be Forgotten, is your legal right to ask for the deletion of your personal data or its removal from search engines. Under Article 17, this applies if the data is no longer needed for its original purpose, if you withdraw consent, or if the information was processed unlawfully.
What is the difference between data erasure and the right to be forgotten?
They are related but serve different functions. Data erasure means an organisation deletes its records from its own internal systems. The Right to be Forgotten refers to de-indexing, which removes specific links from Google and Bing search results. Pavesen handles both to ensure your data is gone at the source and hidden from the public.
Who qualifies for a data erasure or right to be forgotten request?
Any individual can submit a request if their situation falls within the scope of Article 17. High-profile people and executives often qualify when the content involves old disputes, spent records, or private matters where there is no longer a valid public interest in the information.
How long does data erasure take?
De-indexing requests for search engines usually take four to eight weeks. Removal from data brokers varies by platform, and direct publisher engagement depends on each publisher's response time. We provide clear timelines at the start and keep you updated throughout the process.
What happens if a data erasure request is rejected?
If a request is denied, we can escalate the matter to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for a formal review. Legal action is also an option if a processor fails to comply with the law. If erasure is not possible, we use search suppression to push the content down in search results so it is no longer prominent.
Do you handle removal from data broker sites?
Yes. Data brokers collect and sell personal details from public records. Many have difficult opt-out processes designed to discourage removal. We manage these requests systematically across all major UK and international platforms to clear your private information.
Take control of your personal data online.
Every enquiry is reviewed directly by a senior consultant. We assess the legal grounds and likely outcomes honestly before any work begins.