How to Get Defamatory Content Removed from Google Search Results

It’s possible to remove defamatory content from Google search results. However, best practice is to also have the content removed from the original website where it’s hosted. A dedicated content removal lawyer can help you take action to protect your reputation.

There’s a popular saying regarding online content: the internet is forever. And while it’s true that defamatory content can remain stubbornly online and available, the saying is not completely accurate. The reality is that it is possible to have defamatory content removed from Google search results, thereby helping restore your reputation.

One of the most important first steps you can take toward this goal is to retain an experienced attorney. Your lawyer can not only help you get defamatory content taken down, but can also help you explore legal options for seeking monetary compensation.

If someone has posted defamatory information about you on the internet, it’s time to get serious about defending your rights, protecting your reputation, and seeking damages for your losses. Our knowledgeable content removal attorneys explain what you need to know.

How to Ask Google to Remove Defamatory Content

There are actually two potential steps to removing the content. You can contact the owner of the website that contains the defamatory content. You can also contact Google directly and request that they remove the search result. There’s a process for both of these, so it helps to retain experienced legal counsel.

Defamation victims should first understand that Google is separate from the site hosting the defamatory content. So the best and most comprehensive way to address this problem is to start with the website’s owner. Your attorney can reach out to the owner to arrange for the material to be removed.

If you want to address the search result issue more quickly, you can reach out to Google separately. There’s a process that most defamation victims can take. It’s advisable to have an attorney assist you, as removing the content requires more than simply disliking or being embarrassed by it. You have to prove to Google there’s a legal basis for your request. In other words, you will need to provide a clear and well-supported argument.

Here are the basic steps your attorney will likely take:

• Identify the content: Your attorney will identify the content in question and explain why it meets the definition of defamatory. This includes providing the exact location (URL) of the content.
• Document the search result: Next, your lawyer can prove that the defamatory material shows up in Google’s search results. Note that even if the website owner removes or changes the material, outdated information may temporarily remain in search results (Google has tools to address this).
• Provide court orders or other relevant information: If a judge has declared the content to be defamatory, your lawyer can provide a copy of the court order directly to Google. Short of this, your lawyer can provide the legal authority and supporting evidence that shows why the content is defamatory.

What Happens After Google Receives a Request to Remove the Defamatory Content?

Once Google receives the request, the company will review it, request additional information and evidence if needed, and then make a decision. A denial does not necessarily mean the defamation victim has no other recourse. Conversely, an approval does not automatically remove the original content from the website where it’s hosted.

Google will take a look at the website in question and consider your lawyer’s explanation for the content being defamatory. The company will also review supporting evidence you have provided and may request additional information. At the conclusion of its review, Google will make a decision.

If Google rejects the request, the company should provide a notification with details concerning its decision. Your lawyer may be able to submit a new request, and if so, it can address Google’s explanation for its original denial. Also, you can provide additional supporting material with a new takedown request.

However, if Google approves the takedown request, this doesn’t erase it from the original site. It merely restricts the defamatory search results in the country or region where they are considered unlawful. For this reason, your attorney should work to have the original content removed from the website.

What If Google Refuses to Remove the Defamatory Content?

If Google refuses to exclude the defamatory content from its search results, review the explanation and then consider submitting a new request with additional supporting information. You may also have other avenues, including taking separate legal action against Google.

You should read over the company’s decision with your lawyer. Based on that, it may be possible to provide new evidence, a better argument for removing the content, or a more detailed explanation of the law. Be sure you respond to any request from the company for more information. It’s not a good idea to simply resubmit the original request without changing or strengthening your argument, as this could be viewed as a misuse of the reporting system.

You may still have other options. Work with the website owner to remove the defamatory content. You may be able to sue Google over its refusal, but you will need the assistance of an experienced internet defamation lawyer.

FAQs: Removing Defamatory Content From Google Search Results

Is a removal request guaranteed to work?

No, simply asking Google to remove the defamatory search result is not guaranteed to be successful. The defamation victim should be prepared to prove that the information is, in fact, defamatory and that it’s causing reputational harm. Having legal representation to assist you is strongly advised.

Can I force a website to take down the defamatory content?

You can, but not simply by submitting a takedown request to Google. Google only controls its search results, not the information that is hosted on the original website. You will need to contact the website owner or host to remove the content, and potentially take legal action against them if they refuse.

Can other countries still access the search results?

Possibly yes. Defamation removals are only limited to the country or region where the content is deemed unlawful. Users in other countries may therefore still be allowed to access the search results. You can, however, retain legal counsel in those countries and submit takedown requests there.

Restore Your Reputation By Fighting Back Against Defamatory Online Content

If Google search results and website content are harming your reputation, it’s time to seek legal counsel. A knowledgeable content removal attorney can assist with removing defamatory information from the internet and thereby help restore your reputation. To get started or to learn more about internet defamation, reach out to Nesenoff & Miltenberg today.