Choose the right destination
A search engine points to pages; it usually does not host the information shown on them. Removing a search result can reduce visibility while the original page remains online. You may need two requests: one to the publisher and one to the search engine.
First decide whether the issue is private contact information, a legally actionable result, an outdated result after a page changed, or material you want removed at its source. Different forms handle these situations.
Before you start
Save the exact page URL and enough information to identify the search result. For an image, follow the form's instructions about the source and image URLs. Record the search query and date privately if they matter to your request.
If the content includes an immediate threat or other urgent harm, use the platform's appropriate safety-reporting route. Do not download or share illegal sexual imagery involving a child as evidence; use the official reporting process for that material.
On a phone
- Open the specific search result and copy the page address.
- Open Google's personal-information removal route, or the equivalent official privacy/removal route for the search engine concerned.
- Choose the reason that matches the content and follow the linked form.
- Supply the specific URLs and necessary context. Review any evidence before attaching it.
- Submit and keep the request reference.
Where Google offers Results about you, it can help with contact-information results. Use the availability and instructions shown in your own account; it is not a general deletion of every page mentioning you.
On a computer
Keep the search result, original page and official request form in separate tabs. Check that you submit the content URL rather than only a search homepage. Review each URL individually when several pages are involved.
If the publisher has already removed or changed the content, use Google's outdated-content refresh tool where appropriate. If the information remains on the source page, a refresh request alone is not the same as asking the publisher to remove it.
European name-based delisting
In the applicable European framework, you can ask a search engine to stop associating certain results with searches for your name. The engine considers the circumstances, including public-interest and expression issues. A successful decision does not necessarily remove the page for all searches or from the original site.
Use the search engine's official legal/privacy request route. For a French request or follow-up, CNIL's delisting guide leads to practical instructions and complaint options. The fact that a result is uncomfortable does not by itself guarantee removal.
Ask the publisher separately
Find the original site's privacy, contact or correction channel. Identify the precise content, why you are asking for removal/correction and the outcome you want. Supply only the information needed to locate the page and assess the request.
If you hold an account on that site, removing the public page and closing the account may be separate actions. Review them explicitly rather than requesting a wider deletion you do not intend.
What happens next
Keep the engine's decision and its scope. It may remove a result broadly, limit particular name-based searches, request more information or refuse. Other engines, direct links and copies can remain accessible.
Recheck the relevant result after processing, but do not treat a temporary empty search as proof that all copies are gone. Compare the original page and search visibility separately.
If something goes wrong
Use the request reference to clarify missing URLs or an incorrect category. If a legal request is refused, review the relevant appeal/regulator route. Avoid publicizing the sensitive information further while asking for help.
Keep a record
Track publisher removal, search-engine decision and your later observation as three distinct outcomes. This makes it clear what changed and which action, if any, remains useful.