Five thoughts on the 'right to be forgotten’ decision

To conclude this Leo's previous post, here are the four or five thoughts on his mind.

(1) Is the decision worthwhile?

Well, as you may have already seen various reports on this matter: the reaction is mixed. The CJEU’s judgment is welcomed because it formally confirms (or preempts this) that there is a right to suppress personal information -which serves no public good. [Right to privacy is the fundamental human right addressed by this decision. Articles 7 and 8 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union ("Charter") connect with and/or expand Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights ("ECHR")]

This Leo’s initial concern was that the decision could potentially jeopardise anti-corruption and other transparency efforts in public office. Now, Google has given an indication that malfeasance in public office won’t find it easy.

Source: here

Many will argue, rightly, that the decision offers little or no help at all if the source of information remains alive; or if it can be seen in search results outside the EU, or using Google’s .com domain within the EU.[Google says that it may notify the source with its decision. One will be lucky if the source can finish it off]

Anyway, in hindsight, it feels as if Google was already doing something similar, before this decision, with the Webmaster URL Removal Tool. [Afro Leo wonders whether the 'right to be forgotten' form should now supersede all forms]

(2) African countries might follow 

Similar to online copyright protection and enforcement, data protection and privacy is now becoming increasingly topical across the world (e.g. see here and here). This Leo understands that South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act (“POPIA”) may well be interpreted to cover the ‘right to be forgotten’ concept (thanks to Europe). Other African countries, e.g. Nigeria, might follow suit. To his mind, developing countries should tread carefully, unless they have the appropriate structures in place to minimise abuse or censorship of public interest information. There is still need to build stronger governance structures and civil society. [Says Afro Leo: "the African continent seems to be ahead in a few things; 'leapfrogging', as some would say here, here, and here"]

(3) (i) Who is covered by this decision?
Please select the country whose law applies to your request* 

Source: here

This Leo isn't quite sure why the ‘right to be forgotten’ form requires applicants to select an EU Member State (“bloc”). [Obviously everything happens for a reason. Below the form, Google tries to say a thing or two on why it needs certain information] It may well be because data protection and privacy laws or procedures slightly differ from one Member State to another, or that Google needs it to simply know the appropriate domain to target.

This curiosity is compounded by reports (e.g. here, here, and here), perhaps unintentionally, using ‘Europeans’ and ‘EU citizens’ as if the right conferred by the CJEU’s decision is exclusive. This Leo isn't an expert in anything sure, but has a feeling that this isn't right. Why?

As we currently have it, the ECHR and Charter ("human rights laws") apply to the bloc (the UK domesticating the ECHR via the Human Rights Act 1998). The human rights laws (including decisions of the CJEU or ECtHR) cover everyone in the UK regardless of their citizenship or immigration status and can be invoked before a public authority in the UK. The same is expected to also apply in other EU Member States. [Afro Leo also points to the inclusive language in the Charter such as 'everyone' and 'peoples of Europe'] As always, this Leo gladly welcomes comments and corrections as he is not an EU law expert or expert in anything.

(3) (ii) Can this decision extend to companies?
Apparently, companies may be able rely on certain or most parts of the human rights laws. Right to be forgotten could be a different kettle of fish in regards to companies. Imagine this: A company fined by a regulator, 10 years ago for a minor breach, now seeks to remove links to the news reports on the grounds that it is 'outdated'. Fair enough? Anyway, to learn more about companies and human rights laws, see here, here, here, here, and here. [Afro Leo thinks that if this is possible, then it's similar to (as the IPKat reported) blocking websites or removing links to infringing websites from Google search results to protect rights owners]

(4) Google preempts the involvement of lawyers in this area
If you are submitting this request on behalf of someone else, please specify your relationship to that person (for example: “parent” or “attorney”)

Source: here

Do you ('the lawyer') represent a concerned individual (even a public figure) who has undesirable online information, and interests or ties to the bloc? Well, you might as well give it a go to see how much, if any, can be removed from search results shown in the UK or other Member States within the bloc. [Afro Leo will soon be launching an online reputation management company]

You better start selling it to your client(s) before Afro Leo gets in!

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Confused with the ECHR, the Charter, or anything else on EU law? You're not alone
The UK Information Commissioner’s Office (UK ICO) view on the decision is here

Is there a public interest in exposing the lives of celebrities? Find out here

UK Parliamentary Report on privacy is here