Right to be forgotten: a critique of the post-Costeja Gonzalez paradigm

Abstract

Considers the challenges of administering the "right to be forgotten" (RTBF) as formulated by the ECJ ruling in Google Spain SL v Agencia Espanola de Proteccion de Datos (AEPD) (C-131/12) and the draft General Data Protection Regulation art.17. Discusses the possible unintentional consequences of the RTBF, including the "Streisand effect" whereby suppressed information attracts popular attention. Suggests a framework for managing RTBF requests.