Internet Erasure Ltd are UK-based specialists in content removal and online reputation management.
Why this milestone matters
In today’s digital world, a Google search is often the first step someone takes before offering a job, approving a tenancy, providing finance, or even starting a personal relationship. Old newspaper articles—particularly local reports that remain online for decades—can continue shaping impressions long after they have lost relevance.
“Roughly 90% of the removals we facilitate are outdated newspaper articles that still rank highly on Google,” explains Philip Martin, Senior Caseworker at Internet Erasure Ltd. “People are often shocked to realise how much weight an old headline can still carry, even when their life has completely moved on.”
The hidden impact of old news
Clients frequently discover the quiet but damaging impact of online archives when:
- Applying for a new role or professional licence.
- Being declined for finance despite passing all checks.
- Negotiating new business partnerships.
- Preparing to rent or purchase a home.
As Martin notes:
“Most people will look you up before they meet you. If page one of Google is full of old articles that no longer reflect who you are today, it can quietly close doors. Managing your digital presence is not vanity—it’s about fairness and putting your best foot forward.”
A real-world example
One recent client, a professional in his early 40s, approached Internet Erasure after being repeatedly rejected for senior roles despite strong qualifications and recommendations. Each time, he passed initial interviews, only to be turned down at the final stage.
When we conducted a digital footprint audit, the issue became clear: a 15-year-old local newspaper article about a minor arrest (which had resulted in no conviction) still appeared on the first page of his Google results. Although legally irrelevant, it was shaping employers’ perceptions.
By submitting a successful Right to be Forgotten request under Article 17 UK GDPR, the article was delisted from search engines. Within months, the client secured a new role and later reflected that the process had “restored my confidence as well as my career.”
Legal basis and approach
Internet Erasure Ltd is dedicated to helping individuals and businesses reduce the impact of outdated or harmful content. We apply the correct legal frameworks, including:
- Article 8 ECHR – Right to Privacy
- Article 17 UK GDPR – Right to Erasure (commonly known as the Right to be Forgotten)
Where search engines do not comply with delisting, or where a global takedown is required (the Right to be Forgotten currently applies only in the UK and EU), Internet Erasure engages directly with publishers.
Our wider privacy restoration strategies (direct publisher removals) include:
- Article 17 UK GDPR Right to Erasure requests – demonstrating that an individual’s right to privacy outweighs any ongoing public interest in retaining the content.
- Legal and regulatory notices – addressing issues of inaccuracy, copyright infringement, harassment, misuse of private information, or online harms.
- Press regulator compliance actions – submissions under recognised codes of conduct (e.g. IPSO, IMPRESS).
- Technical enforcement – breach reports to hosting providers, domain registrars, and content management systems where terms and conditions have been violated.
- Goodwill negotiations – engaging directly with publishers to secure voluntary removals or edits in appropriate cases.
Why expertise matters
While some people attempt to make submissions to Google themselves, many choose professional support to benefit from:
- Efficiency and more comprehensive results (each unwanted article can have dozens of URL variants pointing to it).
- Clearer processes and timelines.
- Reduced emotional strain when revisiting sensitive issues.
Google’s own Transparency Report confirms that it rejects around half of all URL removal requests. Without expert handling, many valid Right to be Forgotten submissions fail or are abandoned.
Internet Erasure not only understands what makes a request successful, but also how to appeal effectively to the UK Information Commissioner when search engines refuse.
Free resources and consultation
We publish a free Right to be Forgotten guide at www.interneterasure.co.uk/free-guide.html, supporting those who wish to attempt their own submissions.
However, for those seeking greater certainty and support, Internet Erasure offers free consultations to assess each case.
Our goal is simple: to give every client the same confidence online that they would have when dressing for success in person.
To arrange a free consultation, visit www.interneterasure.co.uk and chat to us, or call +44 (0)20 3576 0356.
