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Digital Marketing

SEO

Negative Search Results & Personal Branding

First impressions are often formed online, negative search results can significantly impact personal and professional relationships. Removing negative search results is vital for maintaining a positive online reputation.

min read

Dec 24, 2023

SEO

Personal Branding

Removing Negative Search Results

Let's face it: Google stalking, or researching people online, has become a ubiquitous practice in our modern digital era. While the term may have negative connotations, this behavior is neither creepy nor unusual. In fact, it's often just a manifestation of a natural curiosity about people who are new to your life, or whom you're about to interact with in some capacity. Given the inevitability of being Googled, proactively shaping your online narrative is essential. With the advent of updated Google policies and EU data protection laws, individuals now have more control over their online presence, including the ability to remove negative or harmful information from search results. By actively managing your online reputation, you can ensure that the information available about you is not only accurate but also contributes positively to your public persona, thus maintaining a digital image that reflects your best self.

Curated Search Results

The goal is to curate a set of search results that you'd be proud to show off—whether that's professional profiles, academic publications, social media accounts, or mentions in news articles or blog posts. Ideally, you want the information that appears about you online to be positive or, at the very least, neutral. What you absolutely do not want is negative information or content that could jeopardize your reputation or cause potential harm. Therefore, it's crucial to regularly monitor your online presence and take proactive steps to manage it, such as updating your profiles and engaging in positive online activities. Addressing any negative content promptly and thoughtfully can help mitigate its impact and maintain a more favorable online reputation.

Social Media Profiles

Creating and maintaining professional social media profiles is vital for building a positive profile of your identity in search results. Platforms such as LinkedIn should be regularly updated to mirror your current professional status, showcasing your achievements and career history. These profiles act as a digital resume and provide an opportunity for others to view your professional journey, skills, accomplishments, and a snapshot of your identity. A well-curated profile, with regular updates and a strategic presentation of your professional identity, can easily communicate a positive narrative. It's also important to extend this level of detail and consistency to other social media platforms where your professional and personal lives intersect, like Twitter (X) or Instagram. These platforms offer a chance to create an authentic and cohesive personal image, further reinforcing your personal brand with a blend of personal content and professional achievements.

Content Creation

Content creation, such as blogging and article writing, is a powerful way to position yourself as a thought leader and offset negative search results. When you share your expertise and perspectives on topics relevant to your field, you're contributing meaningfully to industry discussions while also bolstering your professional credibility. Participating actively in online communities and other digital platforms is an effective way to create search engine results that build your digital presence. It also keeps you informed of the latest industry trends, and plays a significant role in developing a strong professional network. Creating a personal website can serve as a centralized hub for your professional identity, showcasing your work, blog posts, and thought leadership. This not only enhances your visibility but also gives you more control over your online narrative, further solidifying your professional identity.

Removing Search Results in Google

One of the most effective ways to control what shows up about you in search results—especially if you're based in the European Union—is manual removal. Having an uncommon name might make it easier for you to find and target specific information about you, but the same principles apply even if you have a more common name; it might just require a bit more digging. Google has recently simplified the process of removing personal information from its search results. Unlike before, where you had to provide proof of potential harm to get Google to act—such as evidence of doxxing, stalking, or identity theft—you can now fill out a straightforward form to request the removal of personal data. This includes your phone number, email address, and physical location.

If you want to request the removal of personal data – such as your phone number, email address, or physical address – from Google's search results, the process is straightforward. Begin by visiting the Google Support page dedicated to this purpose: Google's Personal Information Removal Request Form. On this page, you'll find a comprehensive form to fill out. The form requires specific details about the content you wish to have removed, including the URLs of the web pages that contain the information and the search queries that lead to these results. It's important to provide as much accurate and detailed information as possible to help Google process your request effectively. After submitting the form, Google will review your request and determine if the content falls under their criteria for removal. They may reach out to you for additional information if necessary. This process is a critical step in managing your digital footprint and ensuring that your personal information is not easily accessible through search engines.

Removing Search Results for EU Citizens

For EU citizens, the process of removing personal data from Google search results is further supported by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). If you're in the European Union, you have additional rights regarding the control of your personal data online. To initiate a removal request under GDPR, you should still start with the Google's Personal Information Removal Request Form, as it accommodates requests in line with GDPR provisions. In the form, you can specify that you're an EU citizen and your request is based on GDPR rights. This will prompt Google to consider your request under the specific criteria and protections offered by GDPR, which may include a broader range of personal data types. Remember, GDPR gives you the right to request the deletion of personal data when it's no longer necessary, when you withdraw consent, or when it's being processed unlawfully, among other conditions. However, it's important to note that these requests are subject to a balancing test by Google, which weighs your privacy rights against the public interest in having access to the information.

Legal Options for Content Removal

Taking the legal route to remove negative search results can be an effective, albeit more complex, method. This approach typically involves identifying defamatory, misleading, or incorrect information published online and seeking legal remedies to have it removed. It's important to consult with a lawyer who specializes in internet law or reputation management to understand the specific legal grounds, such as defamation or copyright infringement, that can be used to challenge the content. The lawyer can then issue formal takedown notices or cease-and-desist letters to the responsible parties, such as website owners or search engines. In more serious cases, litigation may be necessary. This legal process requires clear documentation and evidence of the harm caused by the negative content. It's a route that demands patience and resources, but it can be highly effective in ensuring that unlawfully harmful content is removed from the public domain and your online reputation is protected.

Applicable Laws

In the European Union, the legal framework for removing negative search results is significantly influenced by the "Right to be Forgotten" law, a concept that gained traction following a 2014 ruling by the European Court of Justice. This law allows individuals to request search engines like Google to remove links containing outdated or irrelevant information that unfairly impacts their reputation. The process involves submitting a formal request to the search engine, detailing why the content should be removed. While this law provides a robust mechanism for individuals to protect their online reputation, it requires balancing against the public's right to access information, and not all requests may be granted. For EU residents, this legal route offers a viable option for managing and mitigating negative online information, especially when it no longer serves a public interest or is demonstrably false.

In contrast, the United States takes a different approach, primarily governed by the First Amendment's protection of free speech and the Communications Decency Act (CDA), particularly Section 230. This section shields internet service providers and websites from liability for content posted by third parties. Therefore, in the U.S., removing negative content often involves directly addressing the source of the content or proving that it falls into exceptional categories like defamation, a false statement that harms someone's reputation, or copyright infringement. Legal actions in the U.S. can involve sending cease-and-desist letters, filing lawsuits for defamation, or negotiating with the individuals or entities responsible for the content. However, this process can be challenging due to the strong legal protections for freedom of expression and the complexity of proving defamation or other legal grounds for removal.