One of the most common questions people ask before pursuing content removal is whether it is legal. The short answer is that content removal is not only legal when done through proper channels, it is explicitly supported by the legal systems and platform policies of every major online platform.
Legal Content Removal Methods
Platform reporting is the most common legal removal method. Every major platform including Google, Facebook, Yelp, and Glassdoor has an official process for reporting content that violates their terms of service. Legal action for defamatory content is also fully legal and supported by a clear legal framework. DMCA takedowns for your own copyrighted content used without permission are a federally protected right in the USA.
What Makes Content Removal Illegal or Unethical
Illegal or unethical content removal includes threatening or intimidating reviewers to force removal, offering compensation to reviewers in exchange for removal, impersonating platform representatives to deceive website owners, filing false DMCA claims for content you do not own, and attempting to de-anonymise anonymous reviewers through improper means.
The Right to Be Forgotten
EU and UK residents have a legal right to request removal of outdated or irrelevant personal information from Google search results. A content removal professional can advise on whether this right applies to your specific situation.
Professional Legal Content Removal
Promogic uses only fully legal content removal methods. Book a free content removal consultation at promogic.com.