Where others have already given up, we’ve just got started!
We Remove Damaging Content From Google
Solicitor-led · SRA Regulated · 20+ Years Specialist Experience
The only law firm in the UK with a dedicated Internet Law and Right To Be Forgotten team.
It is likely that we have already covered your Right To Be Forgotten journey...
Book Your Free 15-Minute Expert Assessment
No 1 UK Internet Law Firm for your expert advice on Right to be Forgotten Requests
For most people, a Right To Be Forgotten application represents the first step in their journey to a new beginning!
"Where others have given up – we've just got started!"
When you call us, you will be able to speak freely and openly about your situation and we will immediately understand it.
Regardless of how personal, serious or embarrassing it may feel for you, we will never judge you. You will know that you have made the absolute right decision by taking that first step on calling us.
So, before you submit a right to be forgotten application to Google or to another search engine, seek professional legal advice from us. We are committed to a level of experience in all aspects of internet law, that you may not find elsewhere.
Remove Doxxing Content from the Internet – Free Expert Assessment
Someone has published your home address, your phone number, your workplace, or your family’s personal details online – and they have done it to harass you, intimidate you or to encourage others to do the same. You need it taken down. You have come to the right place. We are Cohen Davis Solicitors, and we are the only law firm in the UK with a dedicated team that specialises exclusively in successful right to be forgotten and online content removal applications. Removing doxxing content is one of the most urgent things we do.
Unlike content removal companies, we are qualified solicitors. That means we can write to platforms with the weight of legal consequence behind every letter, file formal complaints with the ICO, secure court orders where the situation calls for one, and pursue the people who posted the content directly. Doxxing is not just unpleasant – under UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, the Online Safety Act 2023, and the common law tort of misuse of private information, it is unlawful. We use every one of those tools.
When private details are weaponised against you online, time matters. So does legal precision.
The Expert Assessment is free. A specialist solicitor reviews the doxxing content, identifies which legal route will move fastest, and gives you an honest answer on what can be removed and how long it should take. No sales pitch. No obligation. Just a clear plan.
Find out how quickly your doxxing content can come down
Request your free assessmentOr call free: 0800 612 7211
What we’ve achieved – removing doxxing content from the internet
Real results from real cases. Not estimates. Not projections.
- Entire YouTube channels taken down after they were used to publish a client’s home address and turn followers against him
- Tweets containing private information removed from X (Twitter) using formal Notice of Objection procedures
- WHOIS database entries removed when old domain registrations were being mined to expose home addresses
- Wayback Machine snapshots taken offline using copyright and data protection arguments where data protection alone was insufficient
- LinkedIn profiles cleansed of aggregated personal data being used to enable real-world harassment
- Companies House service addresses changed and historic addresses suppressed where they were exposing clients to physical risk
- Successful action across the UK, United States, Canada, Australia and the EU
- Law Society Excellence Awards – 2016 Winner, 2019 Shortlisted
The UK’s specialist in removing doxxing content from the internet
We are Cohen Davis Solicitors – the first dedicated internet law firm in the UK, and the only UK firm with a team that specialises exclusively in right to be forgotten and online content removal work. Our team is led by Yair Cohen, an internet law specialist with over 25 years’ experience handling doxxing, harassment, data protection, defamation and online reputation cases. We are not a content removal company. We are a regulated law firm, and that distinction is the difference between a polite take-down request and a removal that actually happens.
Doxxing cases very often involve more than one platform, more than one piece of content, and more than one legal angle. We work the case from every direction: the platforms, the source publisher, Google, the data brokers feeding the doxxer, and where appropriate, the doxxer themselves. Because we have been doing this for so long, we know which lever to pull first – and we know the people on the other side of that lever.
We are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. That means legal professional privilege from the moment you contact us, a formal duty of care, and the ability to escalate – to the ICO, to the platforms’ legal teams, and into court – whenever the case demands it.
★★★★★
“My future happiness depended on the work of this company and they more than delivered. I quite simply cannot recommend enough.”
Mr B.G – Nottingham
★★★★★
“Giving my family, in particular my sons, a more stress free normal life… you have given us our lives back.”
Eric – harassment campaign stopped
What doxxing content can be removed from the internet?
Doxxing rarely involves a single piece of content. It is usually a deliberate attempt to combine pieces of personal information – some of it lawfully public, some of it private – into a profile designed to expose, harass or harm. Over 25 years we have removed virtually every type of doxxing content. Whatever has been published, the chances are we have dealt with it before.
Home addresses, phone numbers and contact details
Your home address, your phone number, your email, the addresses of your family, your children’s school – published on forums, social media, paste sites, harassment platforms or in YouTube video descriptions. Where this content puts your physical safety at risk, we treat the case with the urgency it deserves and pursue removal at every level: the source, the platform, the search engines, and the data brokers who feed the doxxer’s research.
Aggregated personal data – private profiles built from public scraps
A piece of business information here, a Companies House service address there, an old domain registration on a WHOIS lookup, an electoral roll entry on a directory site, a LinkedIn employment history. Each item may be lawfully public on its own. Combined into a single profile designed to identify, locate and target you, that aggregation becomes unlawful – a new piece of personal data created without your consent and without a lawful basis. We use this argument to remove aggregated profiles where standard take-downs of the underlying data have failed.
Other doxxing content we remove
- Defamatory accusations – published alongside identifying details, often presented as “exposing” or “research”
- WHOIS records and old domain registrations – revealing home addresses tied to dormant or sold domains
- Wayback Machine and Internet Archive snapshots – preserving content the original publisher has already removed
- YouTube videos and channels built around exposing or attacking an individual
- Twitter / X posts containing private information – addressed via Notice of Objection procedures
- LinkedIn profiles aggregating professional and personal data for harassment purposes
- Companies House listings that expose service addresses or director home addresses
- Fake profiles, fake porn sites and fake criminal associations created in your name
- Family information – partner’s name, children’s names, school details, relatives’ addresses
If the doxxing content you want removed is not on this list, tell us about it in the assessment form. If there is a legal route to removal, we will find it.
Who comes to us about doxxing?
Every doxxing case has its own story. Here are the situations we see most often – and where we have the strongest track record of getting the content down.
Your home address has been published online
Someone has posted your home address on a forum, social media, a YouTube video, or a harassment platform – sometimes alongside a call for others to act. This is a clear safety risk. We act fast: take the content down at source, delist it from search engines, and pursue Companies House service-address changes and data broker removals to stop the address resurfacing.
A YouTube channel is built around exposing you
A channel has been set up to attack you – videos containing your address, family details and unfounded accusations. The audience is being directed at you. We have shut down entire channels in cases like this, using a combination of UK data protection law, platform community guidelines, and where necessary court action. The faster you act, the cleaner the removal.
Your business history is being weaponised
Old company filings, dissolved companies, a director disqualification from years ago, or a legitimate business decision being framed as “evidence” against you – combined with your current contact details and aimed at clients, employers or investors. We approach these as data aggregation cases: each strand may be public, but the combined profile is not.
Defamatory accusations alongside personal details
Someone has published serious accusations – fraud, abuse, criminal conduct, professional misconduct – together with your name, address and photograph. This is doxxing and defamation in the same act. We handle both legal angles in parallel: removing the personal data on data protection grounds while building the defamation case to deal with the underlying allegation.
WHOIS records are exposing your address
An old domain you registered years ago still carries your home address in WHOIS lookups. The domain may even have been sold on. Doxxers mine WHOIS databases to locate targets. We pursue removal directly with WHOIS database operators and registrars, and where that fails we delist the lookup pages from Google.
Your family has been pulled into it
Your partner’s name, your children’s names, your relatives’ addresses – published to extend the harassment to people who never asked to be involved. Where children are concerned, we treat the case with absolute urgency and use every available legal route, including the Online Safety Act 2023 and applications for injunctive relief.
Wayback Machine is preserving content already removed
You succeeded in removing the original page – but the Wayback Machine has archived it and the doxxer keeps linking to the snapshot. We have removed Wayback Machine archives by combining data protection grounds with copyright claims where the underlying content is yours, and with formal complaints where it is not.
You are a UK citizen abroad – or the content is overseas
UK GDPR has extraterritorial scope. If you are a UK citizen targeted from overseas, or the doxxing content is hosted abroad but visible to a UK audience, we can still pursue removal under UK law. We also work with a specialist network of attorneys in the United States and Canada for cases where local action moves faster.
Why we succeed where doxxing take-downs have failed
On file for life – because the law requires it
Removed content sometimes returns. Sites refresh their archives. Articles migrate to a different platform. Google’s algorithm shifts. As regulated solicitors we are professionally required to retain our file – including Google’s own written removal confirmation references. If the content reappears, we pull the file and resend. No refighting yesterday’s case at full fee.
Many of our clients come to us after the platform’s own reporting tools have not worked, after a content removal company has run out of options, or after they have spent months chasing the doxxer themselves. The doxxing cases that reach us tend to be the ones where the obvious approach was not enough. That is where 25 years of specialist experience makes the difference.
We have legal leverage the platforms recognise
As qualified solicitors, we send letters that carry genuine legal consequence. We can issue court proceedings. We can make formal ICO complaints that are taken seriously because they come from a regulated law firm with a track record. That leverage changes the dynamic of every conversation with a platform – and it is the single biggest reason solicitors get doxxing content removed when others cannot.
We use the data aggregation argument
Doxxing is rarely about one piece of unlawful content. It is about the combination – bits of public data assembled into something that should not exist. Many lawyers and almost all removal companies miss this. We routinely argue that the combined profile is itself a new, unlawful piece of personal data – and that argument unlocks removals where individual take-down requests have failed.
We do not stop at the first refusal
Most firms treat a platform’s “no” as the end of the road. We treat it as the beginning of the next argument. We revisit the case, look for new angles, escalate to the platform’s legal team, file ICO complaints, pursue court orders – and we keep going until the content is down or we have exhausted every realistic option.
Our relationships open doors
We know the in-house legal teams at the major platforms. We work with a specialist network of attorneys in the United States and Canada who act for some of the most prominent platforms and know how those companies operate from the inside. A single well-placed call has, in some cases, resulted in the removal of scores of doxxing posts – quickly, and without litigation.
The doxxing cases we are proudest of are the ones that looked impossible on paper and were solved by an unexpected route.
Your situation may be more straightforward than it feels right now
Request your free assessmentWhy a solicitor, not a content removal company
25+ years’ experience in online content removal – Cohen Davis Solicitors
| Cohen Davis Solicitors | Content removal company | |
|---|---|---|
| SRA regulated | ✓ | ✗ |
| Legal professional privilege | ✓ | ✗ |
| Strategic advice on the right legal route for your specific doxxing case | ✓ | ✗ |
| Legal leverage – ability to credibly threaten and pursue proceedings | ✓ | ✗ |
| Online Safety Act 2023 expertise | ✓ | ✗ |
| Able to issue court proceedings against publishers, platforms or doxxers | ✓ | ✗ |
| Direct contacts with platform legal teams and major publishers | ✓ | ✗ |
| Experience with complex, multi-jurisdictional doxxing cases | ✓ | Limited |
| Fixed fees quoted in writing before work starts | ✓ | Varies |
| 25+ years’ specialist online content removal experience | ✓ | ✗ |
A content removal company can submit a take-down request. A solicitor can do that, and escalate when the first attempt fails – which, in the doxxing cases that actually matter, it usually does.
The right argument, at the right time, to the right person
Doxxing removal is not a template exercise. It is strategic thinking – reading the specific content, the platform, the publisher, the legal climate – and finding the angle others missed. That is what 25 years of this work gives you: not just the law, but the judgement to know which argument to put, to which person, at which moment.
★★★★★
“Cohen Davis were exceptionally professional and swift with my case. It was reassuring that they have the experience and knowledge to help me, especially when I live in New York.”
Ms J.J – New York, United States
★★★★★
“The result has been fantastic and the best I could have hoped for. I was very distressed by the situation I found myself in and Cohen Davis were brilliant.”
Dr B.Y – Bradford
Frequently asked questions about removing doxxing content
Is doxxing illegal in the UK?
Yes. Doxxing – the deliberate publication of someone’s private personal information to expose, harass or harm them – breaches UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Where the content also creates a risk of physical harm or harassment, the Online Safety Act 2023 and the common law tort of misuse of private information also apply. In serious cases, criminal harassment offences may be in play. We can pursue every available legal route in parallel.
How quickly can you remove doxxing content?
It depends on the platform and the legal route – but doxxing cases are some of the fastest removals we handle, because the legal arguments are strong and the platforms recognise the safety risk. We have removed urgent doxxing content within 24 hours of being instructed. Even where the platform initially refuses, escalation through the legal route typically resolves the case in weeks, not months.
What if the doxxing content is on multiple platforms at once?
That is the norm in serious doxxing cases. We map every location of the content across platforms, search engines, archive sites and data brokers, then prioritise by risk and by likelihood of fast removal. Working all fronts in parallel stops the doxxer from simply re-posting elsewhere as fast as we take content down.
Can you remove a YouTube channel that has been built to harass me?
Yes. We have shut down entire YouTube channels in cases where the channel was created specifically to expose, harass or defame an individual. We use a combination of UK data protection law, YouTube’s own community standards, and where necessary court action and complaints to senior YouTube legal contacts.
Can you remove tweets or X posts containing my private information?
Yes. X / Twitter responds to formal Notice of Objection procedures filed under UK GDPR. Where the post combines private information with defamatory accusations, we run the data protection and defamation arguments together. In urgent cases we also pursue interim injunctive relief.
Can you remove fake porn websites or fake criminal associations created in my name?
Yes. Fake content created in someone’s name – whether sexual, criminal or otherwise – is unlawful on multiple grounds, including data protection, privacy, defamation, and where applicable the Online Safety Act and intimate image offences. We pursue removal at the host, the platform and the search engines, and where the perpetrator can be identified we consider proceedings against them directly.
Will my enquiry be kept confidential?
Yes, absolutely. Your enquiry is protected by legal professional privilege from the moment you first contact us. We will never share your details, discuss your situation with third parties, or refer to your case publicly without your explicit permission.
If the information is technically public, why is publishing it as doxxing unlawful?
Because aggregation creates new personal data. A Companies House filing on its own, a WHOIS record on its own, an electoral roll entry on its own – each may be lawfully public for a specific purpose. But combining them into a profile designed to identify, locate and target you creates a fresh piece of personal data that has no lawful basis. UK GDPR treats this as new processing, which means the doxxer needs – and almost never has – a lawful basis to publish it.
Can you remove my home address from WHOIS records of old domains?
Yes. Old WHOIS entries are a common doxxing source – the address you used when you registered a domain ten years ago is often still visible. We pursue removal through WHOIS database operators, registrars and the domain registry itself. In parallel we delist the lookup pages from Google so the data does not surface for searchers of your name.
Can the Wayback Machine archive of doxxing content be removed?
Yes, in many cases. The Internet Archive responds to formal removal requests where the content breaches data protection law, where it has been removed at source on legal grounds, or where copyright in the underlying material can be asserted. We have used all three routes successfully to remove archived doxxing content.
I am a UK citizen living abroad – can you still help?
Yes. UK GDPR has extraterritorial scope. As long as you are a UK citizen, or the doxxing content is targeted at a UK audience, we can pursue removal under UK law regardless of where you live now or where the content is hosted. We act for clients across the United States, Canada, Australia, the EU and beyond.
Can you remove doxxing content hosted in the USA or Canada?
Yes. We work with a dedicated specialist network of attorneys in the United States and Canada, many of whom act for some of the most prominent platforms and are deeply familiar with how those platforms operate from the inside. That network gives us routes to removal that a UK-only firm simply does not have. In some cases, a single well-placed call from an attorney with an established platform relationship has resulted in the removal of scores of doxxing posts – quickly and without litigation.
Can you act if I do not know who is doxxing me?
Yes. Most doxxing cases start without a known perpetrator. Removing the content is usually the first priority, and that does not require knowing the doxxer’s identity. Where it becomes important – for example to seek an injunction or pursue damages – we can apply for a Norwich Pharmacal order requiring the platform to disclose subscriber details.
What happens in the free Expert Assessment?
A qualified internet law solicitor calls you. You tell them what has been published, where, and what impact it is having. They assess the legal basis for removal, the likely fastest route, and give you an honest view of your chances. The call takes about 15 minutes. Within 48 hours, you receive a written case review and a fixed-fee quote. No commitment, no pressure.
How much does it cost to remove doxxing content?
Standard cases start from £1,000 + VAT, with a fixed fee quoted in writing before any work starts. Complex cases – multiple platforms, resistant publishers, ICO escalation, court applications or international content – start from £5,000 + VAT. The Expert Assessment itself is completely free.
What if you tell me you cannot help?
We tell you honestly. One of our clients noted: “Refreshingly – for a lawyer – Yair Cohen advised me not to hire him in this instance as it would not be a good investment.” If the doxxing content cannot realistically be removed, or the cost is disproportionate to the result, we say so. That is the kind of firm we are.
What our clients say
Verified client reviews from Cohen Davis Solicitors
★★★★★
“My future happiness depended on the work of this company and they more than delivered. I quite simply cannot recommend enough.”
Mr B.G – Nottingham
★★★★★
“Giving my family, in particular my sons, a more stress free normal life… you have given us our lives back.”
Eric – harassment campaign stopped
★★★★★
The ICO accepted “most if not all of the very cogent arguments” we put forward.
Diego – ICO case won
★★★★★
“Cohen Davis were exceptionally professional and swift with my case. It was reassuring that they have the experience and knowledge to help me, especially when I live in New York.”
Ms J.J – New York, United States
★★★★★
“Excellent solicitors, very professional and delivered wonderful results.”
Martin
★★★★★
“Excellent, professional service delivered within a tight timeline. Have used twice and will use again.”
Thomas – repeat client
★★★★★
“I hope never to need their services again but I would recommend them without hesitation.”
Edwin – New York
★★★★★
“I have found your fantastic team of internet lawyers incredibly helpful, robust and hugely knowledgeable. You are certainly a safe pair of hands to be in during difficult times.”
David Baum
★★★★★
“Refreshingly – for a lawyer – Yair Cohen advised me not to hire him in this instance as it would not be a good investment of time and money.”
Honest advice – we tell you if we cannot help
★★★★★
“Your team and professional services are excellent and I actually really enjoyed my conversation with the solicitor.”
Mrs S.L
★★★★★
“The result has been fantastic and the best I could have hoped for. I was very distressed by the situation I found myself in and Cohen Davis were brilliant.”
Dr B.Y – Bradford
★★★★★
“I have been very pleased with the services provided by Cohen Davis. Their team have acted very professionally and the outcome has been very satisfactory.”
Mr E.P – Jersey, Channel Islands
★★★★★
“From start to finish very refreshing. Friendly, efficient, professional and very informative.”
Verified client
★★★★★
“Sara, Richard, Paul and Eva were a fantastic team. Knowledgeable, responsive and extremely helpful throughout.”
International client – New York
★★★★★
“Thank you Yair for an excellent service. Your attention to detail and approachable staff are an asset to the firm.”
Elliot Crego
How it works – three steps
Free 15-minute Expert Assessment
A qualified internet law solicitor reviews the doxxing content, applies the legal tests, and tells you honestly what can be removed, by which route, and how quickly.
Written Case Review and Fixed-Fee Quote
Within 48 hours, you receive a written review of your case and a fixed-fee quote. Valid for 14 days. You decide whether to proceed.
We act – and we persist
If you instruct us, we begin work immediately. Named solicitor, clear communication, and a legal team that does not stop at the first platform refusal.
We are results focused. We do not give up. If the first route to removing the doxxing content fails, we find the next one.
What it costs
- Standard cases – from £1,000 + VAT, fixed fee quoted in writing
- Complex cases – from £5,000 + VAT, scoped and quoted before any work starts
- The Expert Assessment itself is free. No obligation, no pressure.
You will never be charged for anything you haven’t agreed to in writing.
Request your free Expert Assessment
Tell us about the doxxing content you want removed. A solicitor will call you back within one working day. The call is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.
Remove Damaging Google Autocomplete Suggestions – Free Expert Assessment
When someone types your name into Google, autocomplete suggestions appear before they have even finished typing. Those suggestions – drawn from Google's algorithmic analysis of what other people have searched for – can link your name to crime, fraud, scandal, dishonesty, or other deeply damaging associations. The damage happens in an instant, before anyone has clicked a single result, and it colours everything that follows. It reaches employers, clients, colleagues, family members, and anyone else who searches for you.
The critical point – the one that most people do not know – is that autocomplete suggestions are not beyond legal challenge. They can be removed using UK GDPR and the right to be forgotten. Google has accepted removal requests for autocomplete suggestions. The ICO has upheld complaints specifically about autocomplete data. This is an area of law that is still developing, but it is an area in which Cohen Davis Solicitors have successfully acted for clients, including high-profile individuals and business owners whose professional reputations were being systematically damaged by what Google suggested alongside their names.
Beyond autocomplete, we also address the broader reputation picture: "People also search for" results, Google Knowledge Panel inaccuracies, page 1 search results dominated by negative content, defamatory search terms, and Google Images thumbnails that cause damage. Our approach is always legally grounded – we use UK GDPR, the right to be forgotten, and defamation law to achieve real results, not SEO suppression tactics that mask the problem rather than resolve it.
Our free 15-minute Expert Assessment is the starting point. One of our specialist solicitors will review your specific situation, identify the strongest legal grounds, and give you an honest view of what is achievable. There is no obligation and no cost. Call us on 0800 612 7211 or complete the form below.
Real results for clients whose reputations were at stake
These outcomes demonstrate what is possible when specialist legal expertise is applied to online reputation and search result challenges. Every result was achieved through legally grounded argument – not SEO tricks.
- Chris – 1,017 pages removed from Google. "Your assistance and guidance is far beyond the value of any fees paid." A comprehensive campaign spanning search results, associated content, and related platforms – all resolved.
- HZ – 579 pages removed, California. "1000 thank yous for removing the pages." A cross-border case with international reach, demonstrating that UK GDPR and the right to be forgotten extend beyond UK borders.
- Diego – 28 pages removed; ICO case won. The ICO accepted "most if not all of the very cogent arguments" put forward by Cohen Davis. A critical precedent for cases where Google's initial refusal is not the end of the story.
About Cohen Davis Solicitors
Cohen Davis Solicitors is one of the UK's most experienced internet law firms, led by Yair Cohen – a solicitor who has been working in internet law, online reputation, and data protection for over 25 years. The firm is SRA regulated and acts for a wide range of clients: individuals, business owners, professionals, and high-profile figures who need online reputation problems solved legally and permanently.
Our approach to autocomplete and reputation issues is rooted in law, not in search engine optimisation. We use UK GDPR Article 17, the right to be forgotten, defamation law, and ICO enforcement to challenge what Google presents about our clients. Where a search result or autocomplete suggestion is legally challengeable, we challenge it. Where it is not, we tell you honestly.
The reputation damage caused by Google autocomplete is not always visible to the person it affects. Many clients come to us having discovered – sometimes by accident – what Google suggests when their name is typed. Others have been told by employers, clients or family members. In every case, the first step is the same: a specialist assessment of what the law can achieve and the fastest route to achieving it.
What autocomplete and reputation content can be removed or corrected?
Google's search interface presents your name in multiple ways beyond the main search results. Each of these has its own legal basis for challenge and its own removal pathway. Cohen Davis Solicitors have experience with all of the following:
The dropdown suggestions that appear as someone types a name into the Google search box. Algorithmically generated from search patterns and associated content. Where they link your name to criminal, fraudulent, or otherwise damaging terms, they are legally challengeable under UK GDPR as disproportionate processing of personal data.
The cluster of suggested searches that appears after someone searches your name. Where these link you to negative associations or to other individuals whose reputations may taint your own, removal may be sought on similar legal grounds.
For individuals with a Knowledge Panel (typically public figures, business owners, or professionals with significant online presence), inaccurate or outdated biographical information can be challenged. We work with Google’s legal process and, where relevant, with Wikipedia editors to correct the factual errors feeding that data.
Where a Wikipedia article about you, or closely associated with you, contains damaging factual errors, we work with experienced Wikipedia editors to pursue corrections through the proper editorial process – avoiding the gaming and reverting that afflicts most self-made edits.
Where page 1 of Google for your name is dominated by damaging content, we pursue the legally removable elements using UK GDPR and defamation law – reducing the prominence of negative material in the results that matter most.
Where a defamatory word or phrase has become strongly associated with your name in Google – through articles, forum posts, social media, or autocomplete – the underlying content and the autocomplete association may both be challengeable.
The expandable questions that appear in Google results sometimes raise damaging questions about individuals. Where these arise from unlawful or disproportionate processing of personal data, we can pursue removal.
Damaging images appearing in Google Images associated with your name – including images taken without consent or used in a misleading context – may be removable through right to be forgotten applications and, where applicable, copyright law.
Does your situation match one of these common scenarios?
Typing your name into Google suggests it alongside criminal or fraudulent terms
The moment someone starts typing your name, Google suggests it alongside words like "fraud", "scam", "convicted", "arrested", or similar. The damage is instant and invisible to you – but visible to everyone who searches for you. This is one of the most serious autocomplete problems we encounter and it is legally challengeable under UK GDPR.
Your Google autocomplete suggests your name alongside a scandal you had no part in
You have been caught in the algorithmic association of your name with a controversy, scandal or high-profile event involving other people. Your name appears in that context and autocomplete reflects the association. The fact that you were not involved is central to the legal argument for removal.
"People also search for" links your name to negative associations
After someone searches your name, Google presents a "People also search for" box that links your name to others – perhaps individuals with reputational problems, or to searches that carry negative connotations. We have addressed this category of reputation problem using UK GDPR and defamation law arguments.
Your Google Knowledge Panel contains inaccurate or outdated personal information
If you have a Knowledge Panel, inaccurate information displayed there – wrong biographical details, incorrect associations, outdated positions or affiliations – affects how you are presented to everyone who searches your name. We can work through Google's correction process and, where Wikipedia is the source, through the Wikipedia editorial process to correct factual inaccuracies.
Defamatory search terms appear when someone starts typing your name
A specific defamatory word or phrase has become associated with your name in Google's autocomplete algorithm – perhaps because of a particular article, forum thread, or social media campaign. The autocomplete reflects and amplifies the defamatory content. Both the underlying content and the autocomplete association may be removable.
A competitor or ex-partner has engineered negative associations in Google
Deliberate manipulation of Google search results and autocomplete – sometimes called "Google bombing" – is sometimes carried out by competitors, ex-partners, or others with a motivation to damage your reputation. Where we can establish that negative associations have been deliberately engineered, the case for removal under defamation law and UK GDPR is particularly strong.
Multiple negative results dominate page 1 for your name
Page 1 of Google search results for your name is dominated by articles, forum posts, reviews, or other content that is damaging. Some may be removable outright through UK GDPR or defamation law. Others may require a combination of removal applications and careful management of the overall search landscape. We assess each item individually and pursue removal where legal grounds exist.
Autocomplete links your name to someone else's misconduct or conviction
You share a name – or have an association – with another individual whose misconduct or criminal record is well-documented online. Google's autocomplete is conflating the two of you, or simply presenting the negative associations alongside your name. We have successfully argued for autocomplete removal in cases of mistaken identity and name association where the harm to the client was clear and the legal grounds were strong.
Why our autocomplete and reputation removal cases succeed: a specialist approach
On file for life – because the law requires it
Removed content sometimes returns. Sites refresh their archives. Articles migrate to a different platform. Google’s algorithm shifts. As regulated solicitors we are professionally required to retain our file – including Google’s own written removal confirmation references. If the content reappears, we pull the file and resend. No refighting yesterday’s case at full fee.
Autocomplete removal is one of the most technically and legally complex areas of online reputation law. Google's algorithm generates autocomplete suggestions dynamically, based on search volume, associated content, and other signals. This means that simply removing an underlying article does not automatically remove an autocomplete suggestion – and conversely, a suggestion can sometimes be removed even where the underlying content remains.
Our approach to autocomplete cases begins with understanding the source of the association. What is driving Google to suggest that particular term alongside your name? Is it a specific article? A pattern of searches? An association with a particular website or content type? Once we understand the source, we can identify the correct legal route. UK GDPR applies where the suggestion constitutes the processing of personal data in a way that causes disproportionate harm. Defamation law applies where the suggestion is defamatory in itself. Both routes have been used successfully in autocomplete cases.
For broader reputation cases – where page 1 search results are the primary concern – we take a systematic approach. We review every material URL on page 1, assess the legal grounds for removal of each, and prioritise applications based on the strength of the legal argument and the prominence of the harm. We do not pursue speculative applications. We identify cases with genuine prospects and pursue them with all available legal tools.
Our experience with high-profile individuals and business owners means we understand the commercial and personal urgency that often characterises these cases. We work with the required speed while maintaining the legal rigour that produces durable results.
Why instruct a solicitor rather than a Content removal company?
25+ years’ experience in content removal – Cohen Davis Solicitors
| What you need | Cohen Davis Solicitors | Content removal company |
|---|---|---|
| Autocomplete removal | ✓ UK GDPR and right to be forgotten applied specifically to autocomplete data – legally grounded removal applications | ✗ No legal route to removal; can only attempt suppression through SEO |
| Defamatory search terms | ✓ Qualified solicitors can assess and pursue defamation claims where autocomplete or search results are defamatory | ✗ Cannot pursue defamation; no legal standing |
| Knowledge Panel corrections | ✓ We work through Google's formal correction process and with experienced Wikipedia editors for durable, legitimate corrections | ✗ May attempt informal editing; easily reverted |
| ICO complaints | ✓ Full ICO complaint capability; we have obtained ICO enforcement in cases Google initially refused | ✗ Cannot lodge or conduct ICO complaints |
| Durability of result | ✓ Legal removal is permanent – the content or suggestion is actually erased from Google's index, not masked | ✗ SEO suppression is temporary; underlying content and suggestions remain |
| Transparency and honesty | ✓ We tell you honestly what is achievable before you commit – including where the answer is that removal is unlikely | ✗ Often overpromise; vague about methods and timelines |
| Years of specialist experience | ✓ 25+ years of specialist internet law and content removal experience | ✗ Limited – content removal companies are a relatively recent industry |
Frequently asked questions
Removing Google autocomplete suggestions
Can Google autocomplete suggestions be removed?
Yes – in appropriate cases they can. Google autocomplete suggestions constitute the processing of personal data for the purposes of UK GDPR. Where that processing causes disproportionate harm to an individual – by associating their name with criminal, fraudulent, or otherwise damaging terms without a legitimate basis – the right to erasure under Article 17 can apply. Google has accepted autocomplete removal requests, and the ICO has upheld complaints specifically relating to autocomplete data. Our free Expert Assessment will tell you quickly whether your case has the legal basis for a removal application.
How do autocomplete suggestions get associated with my name?
Google's autocomplete algorithm is driven primarily by what other people have searched for. If large numbers of people have searched for your name alongside a particular word or phrase, or if there is significant content online linking your name to particular terms, autocomplete will reflect this. Deliberate manipulation – sometimes by competitors or others with a motivation to damage your reputation – can also influence autocomplete. Understanding the source of the association is the first step in identifying the correct legal route to removal.
Can a defamatory autocomplete suggestion be removed urgently?
We understand that autocomplete suggestions can cause acute, immediate harm – particularly when they are discovered in the context of a job application, a business relationship, or a personal matter where your reputation is critical. We are able to prioritise urgent cases and identify the routes most likely to produce the fastest result. Please make the urgency clear when you contact us and we will address it specifically in your assessment.
What legal route is used to remove autocomplete suggestions from Google?
The primary legal basis is UK GDPR Article 17 – the right to erasure. Autocomplete suggestions involve the processing of personal data (your name, associated with particular terms) and where that processing causes disproportionate harm without a legitimate basis, erasure can be required. In cases where the autocomplete suggestion is itself defamatory – in that it falsely implies criminality or other misconduct – defamation law may provide an additional or alternative route. We identify and apply the strongest available legal basis in each case.
Can I remove "People also search for" results?
In many cases, yes. "People also search for" results are generated algorithmically and constitute the processing of personal data in a way that makes associations between individuals. Where those associations are harmful, disproportionate and without legitimate basis, UK GDPR provides a route to challenge them. The specific legal arguments differ from those used for autocomplete, but the underlying principle – that harmful processing of personal data can be challenged – applies equally.
Can inaccurate Google Knowledge Panel information be corrected?
Yes. Inaccurate Knowledge Panel information can be challenged through Google's official correction process, and where the source of the inaccuracy is a Wikipedia article, through the Wikipedia editorial process. Our experience with both processes means we know how to present corrections in a way that is accepted and sustained. We do not recommend attempting to edit Wikipedia directly – changes made by people with a direct interest in the subject are frequently reverted. We work with experienced independent editors to achieve durable corrections.
How long does it take to remove an autocomplete suggestion from Google?
There is no fixed timeline. Google processes removal requests for autocomplete data, but unlike standard right to be forgotten requests for search results, the timescales are less predictable. The complexity of the case, the strength of the legal arguments, and Google's internal review process all affect timing. Where we pursue ICO complaints, these typically take longer but can result in more durable enforcement. We will give you a realistic expectation of timelines at the assessment stage.
Does removing an autocomplete suggestion also remove the underlying search results?
Not necessarily – and the reverse is also true. Autocomplete suggestions and search results are generated by different algorithms and can be challenged separately. Removing an underlying article does not automatically remove an autocomplete suggestion that has become associated with your name. Similarly, a successful autocomplete removal application does not remove the underlying content from search results. In most reputation cases, we assess both the autocomplete issues and the underlying search results and pursue removal on all applicable fronts.
About the free Expert Assessment
What happens during the free Expert Assessment?
One of our specialist solicitors will spend up to 15 minutes with you – by phone or video call – reviewing the specific autocomplete suggestions, search results, or other reputation issues you are concerned about. We will identify the applicable legal grounds, assess the realistic prospects of removal or correction, and give you an honest view of the options and the likely timelines. There is no obligation to proceed and no cost for the assessment.
Do I need to prepare anything before the call?
It helps to have a record of the autocomplete suggestions or search results you are concerned about – screenshots are ideal, as autocomplete suggestions can change over time. URLs of any specific articles or pages are also useful. But do not let lack of preparation stop you from calling – our solicitors are experienced at quickly assessing the situation during the call itself.
Is my enquiry confidential?
Completely. Everything you tell us is protected by solicitor-client confidentiality. We do not share your details with third parties and we do not publicise client cases without explicit consent. Many clients contacting us about autocomplete and reputation issues are particularly concerned about discretion – this is entirely understandable and we take it seriously as a professional obligation.
What if removal is not possible – do you have other options?
We will always be honest with you about what the law can and cannot achieve. In cases where outright removal of an autocomplete suggestion is not possible – for example, where there is a genuine, substantial public interest in the underlying content – we will advise you of that clearly, explain the reasons, and discuss whether any partial or alternative remedy is available. We do not take fees for pursuing cases we do not believe have realistic prospects.
What our clients say
How the process works
Step 1 – Free Expert Assessment
A specialist solicitor reviews the autocomplete suggestions, search results, or Knowledge Panel content you want addressed. We identify the applicable legal grounds and give you an honest view of what can be achieved and how. No cost, no obligation, up to 15 minutes.
Step 2 – Legal Application
We prepare a tailored UK GDPR and/or defamation law application to Google, addressing the specific suggestion or content in question. For Knowledge Panel issues, we engage with Google's correction process and, where Wikipedia is the source, with the Wikipedia editorial community. We handle all correspondence.
Step 3 – Escalation Where Needed
Where Google refuses, we escalate – through ICO complaints, further legal correspondence, or other available routes. We pursue every legitimate option until the result is achieved or all options are exhausted, at which point we advise you clearly on where the matter stands.
Fees and transparency
The free Expert Assessment carries no charge and no obligation. If we recommend proceeding, we will provide you with a clear written estimate of costs before you commit to instructing us.
Autocomplete and reputation cases vary in complexity. A focused autocomplete removal application will typically cost less than a broader reputation management case involving multiple page 1 results. We will explain the cost clearly at assessment, with no hidden charges and no vague "packages". You will know exactly what you are paying for and what outcome you are working towards.
As SRA regulated solicitors, we are bound by professional obligations on costs transparency. We take fees for work we believe has genuine prospects of success. We do not take on cases we do not believe in – and if yours falls into that category, we will tell you so in the free assessment, saving you both money and time.
Request Your Free Expert Assessment
Complete the form below and one of our specialist solicitors will contact you to arrange your free 15-minute Expert Assessment. All enquiries are strictly confidential.
Or call us directly: 0800 612 7211 (Monday–Friday, 9am–6pm)
GDPR Right to Erasure – Remove Your Personal Data from Google – Free Expert Assessment
Under UK GDPR Article 17, you have the right to request erasure of personal data about you from Google and other online sources. This is not simply a policy preference or a request you can make informally – it is a legally enforceable right backed by the full weight of UK data protection law, ICO enforcement powers, and the courts. When exercised correctly and with the right legal arguments, it produces real, verified results.
Cohen Davis Solicitors specialise in making these rights work in practice, not just in theory. The difference between submitting a GDPR erasure request yourself and having a specialist solicitor do it on your behalf is significant. Google receives millions of requests. The vast majority are declined. The ones that succeed are those that are supported by clear, legally grounded arguments tailored to the specific category of data and the specific harm being caused – precisely what we provide.
We have obtained erasure from Google, from national newspapers, from data brokers, and from specialist aggregator sites across a wide range of personal data types. Our clients include private individuals, business owners, professionals, and public figures. The common thread is a determination to exercise a right that exists in law – and to have it properly enforced.
Our free 15-minute Expert Assessment is the starting point. One of our specialist solicitors will review your situation, identify the strongest UK GDPR grounds, and give you an honest assessment of what is achievable. There is no obligation and no cost. Call us on 0800 612 7211 or complete the form below.
Real results achieved under data protection law
These outcomes were achieved by Cohen Davis Solicitors using the full range of legal tools available – UK GDPR, ICO complaints, legal correspondence, and direct engagement with Google and publishers.
- Chris – 1,017 pages removed from Google. "Your assistance and guidance is far beyond the value of any fees paid." A comprehensive erasure spanning multiple platforms and content types – achieved through persistent, legally grounded applications.
- HZ – 579 pages removed, California. "1000 thank yous for removing the pages." Cross-jurisdictional complexity navigated successfully with a deep understanding of UK GDPR's international reach.
- Diego – 28 pages removed; ICO case won. The ICO accepted "most if not all of the very cogent arguments" put forward by Cohen Davis – a clear demonstration of what expert legal argument can achieve in a contested erasure case.
About Cohen Davis Solicitors
Cohen Davis Solicitors is one of the UK's leading specialist internet law firms. Led by Yair Cohen, a solicitor with over 25 years of experience in data protection, online reputation, and internet law, the firm has built an unmatched track record in securing data erasure from Google and other online platforms.
We are SRA regulated, which means you benefit from the full protections of professional legal accountability. Unlike reputation management companies – which operate in an unregulated market and typically rely on informal requests and SEO tactics – we use the law. UK GDPR, the right to be forgotten, ICO enforcement, and, where necessary, the courts.
Our experience with the ICO is particularly important. When Google refuses a GDPR erasure request – which it frequently does – the ICO has the power to investigate and, in appropriate cases, require Google to comply. We have successfully guided clients through ICO complaints that resulted in forced removals. This is not a route that most people know exists, and even fewer know how to use effectively. We do.
What personal data can be erased from Google under UK GDPR?
UK GDPR Article 17 sets out the grounds on which you can require erasure of your personal data. The most commonly applicable grounds in the context of Google and online content are that the data is no longer necessary for the purpose for which it was collected, that the processing is unlawful, or that a compelling legitimate interest in retention no longer exists. Special category data – covering health, race, religion, sexual orientation and criminal convictions – attracts enhanced protection.
Cohen Davis Solicitors have experience securing erasure across all of the following data categories:
Data no longer necessary; consent withdrawn; unlawful processing; legal obligation; public interest grounds that no longer apply. These are the five most commonly used routes to erasure of Google search results under UK GDPR.
Information about your health, racial or ethnic origin, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or criminal convictions and allegations attracts the strongest protection under UK GDPR – and the highest likelihood of successful erasure.
Sites such as 192.com, Spokeo, Whitepages and electoral roll aggregators compile and publish personal profiles indexed by Google. We have substantial experience securing removal from these platforms and from Google’s index of them.
County Court Judgments (CCJs), bankruptcy records, Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs) and similar financial records appearing in Google may be erasable – particularly where they are historic and no longer reflect your current circumstances.
Your home address, phone number, or email appearing on sites indexed by Google may constitute unlawful processing where you never consented to publication and where the publication causes harm.
Outdated or inaccurate employment information, including references to former roles, disciplinary matters, or redundancies, appearing in Google results when searches on your name are made.
Details about family members, including children, that were published without consent and continue to be indexed. Children’s data attracts particularly strong protection under UK GDPR.
Articles, forum posts, social media content or other material from many years ago that no longer reflects who you are – and that continues to appear prominently in search results for your name.
Does your situation match one of these common scenarios?
Your name, address and phone number appear on data broker sites indexed by Google
Data aggregator sites compile personal profiles from public records and sell or publish them. When Google indexes these pages, your home address and contact details become visible to anyone who searches your name. UK GDPR gives you the right to require erasure of this data – we know how to enforce it.
A County Court Judgment (CCJ) or bankruptcy record is appearing in Google
Financial records such as CCJs, bankruptcy orders and IVAs enter the public register – but their continued prominence in Google search results years after satisfaction may be a disproportionate processing of your personal data. We have successfully argued for removal of satisfied and historic financial records from Google's index.
A data breach has exposed your personal information and it is now indexed by Google
Where your personal data was disclosed in a data breach and has subsequently been indexed by Google, you have strong grounds under UK GDPR for erasure – the processing is unlawful from the outset. We can pursue removal from Google and, where possible, from the source site.
Sensitive personal data – health, religion, sexuality – appears in Google results
Special category data under UK GDPR receives the strongest legal protection. If information about your health condition, religious beliefs, racial background, or sexual orientation appears in Google search results without your consent, the legal grounds for erasure are particularly compelling. We have significant experience with special category data removal.
Old electoral roll data with your home address is showing in Google
Electoral roll data is a public record – but sites that aggregate and republish it in a format indexed by Google may be processing it unlawfully. We have successfully challenged both the aggregator sites and Google's indexing of them, securing removal of home addresses that were causing ongoing harm to clients.
A company you previously worked for has indexed personal information about you
Former employers sometimes retain old staff profiles, press releases, or HR-related content online that names you and appears in search results. Where this data is outdated or was published without adequate consent, UK GDPR provides a route to require erasure from both the employer's site and Google's index.
GDPR access request refused – you need legal support for an ICO complaint
If a data controller has refused your subject access request or your erasure request, you have the right to complain to the ICO. We prepare and conduct ICO complaints on behalf of clients – including the detailed legal submissions that give complaints the best chance of success. Where the ICO upholds the complaint, Google can be required to comply.
Data appears on a site registered outside the UK – can UK GDPR still apply?
Yes, in many cases it can. UK GDPR applies where processing targets UK residents or where the site uses cookies or tracking that falls within UK jurisdiction. We understand the jurisdictional dimensions of cross-border data protection law and can advise you on whether overseas sites and content are within the scope of UK GDPR erasure rights.
Why our GDPR erasure applications succeed: a legally grounded approach
On file for life – because the law requires it
Removed content sometimes returns. Sites refresh their archives. Articles migrate to a different platform. Google’s algorithm shifts. As regulated solicitors we are professionally required to retain our file – including Google’s own written removal confirmation references. If the content reappears, we pull the file and resend. No refighting yesterday’s case at full fee.
Most GDPR erasure requests fail for the same reasons: they are submitted without identifying the correct legal ground; they do not address the data controller's likely objections; and they do not present the balancing exercise between your rights and any legitimate public interest in a way that Google's legal team will accept. We know this because we have reviewed thousands of refusals and built our methodology around what actually works.
Our approach begins with identifying the precise legal basis for erasure under UK GDPR Article 17 that applies to your specific data and your specific circumstances. We then craft an application that addresses each element of the balancing test that Google and the ICO will apply – proportionality, necessity, the sensitivity of the data, the harm caused, and the nature of any public interest claimed.
When Google refuses – which it often does on a first application – we do not simply resubmit the same request. We escalate. We have pursued ICO complaints that have resulted in Google being required to erase content it initially declined to touch. We have issued formal legal correspondence to publishers under UK GDPR that has resulted in voluntary removal. We pursue every available route and we document the process carefully so that, if necessary, we can take the matter further.
Special category data cases – involving health, religion, sexuality, race, or criminal conviction data – receive our particular attention. The legal protections are stronger, the grounds for erasure are clearer, and our track record in this specific category is strong.
Why instruct a solicitor rather than making a GDPR request yourself?
25+ years’ experience in content removal – Cohen Davis Solicitors
| What you need | Cohen Davis Solicitors | Self-help / DIY GDPR request |
|---|---|---|
| Identifying the correct legal ground | ✓ We identify the precise legal basis applicable to your data and your circumstances | ✗ Most people select the wrong Article 17 ground, which leads to automatic refusal |
| Addressing Google's likely objections | ✓ Every application addresses proportionality, necessity and the public interest test directly | ✗ Generic requests do not engage with the balancing exercise Google applies |
| ICO complaints | ✓ We prepare and conduct full ICO complaints – including the legal submissions that make them succeed | ✗ Most people do not know they can complain to the ICO or how to do so effectively |
| Special category data | ✓ We apply the specific Article 9 special category protections where they apply, significantly increasing the prospects of erasure | ✗ The stronger protections for sensitive data are frequently not invoked correctly |
| Publisher erasure | ✓ Solicitor correspondence under UK GDPR carries legal weight; we pursue publisher erasure alongside Google removal | ✗ Individuals can request publisher removal but have little leverage on refusal |
| Outcome | ✓ We pursue every available route – including ICO and legal proceedings – until the result is achieved or options are exhausted | ✗ High refusal rate; process stalls at first refusal |
| Years of specialist experience | ✓ 25+ years of specialist internet law and content removal experience | ✗ Limited – content removal companies are a relatively recent industry |
Frequently asked questions
GDPR right to erasure from Google
What is the GDPR right to erasure (right to be forgotten)?
The right to erasure – commonly known as the right to be forgotten – is set out in Article 17 of UK GDPR (and its EU equivalent). It gives individuals the right to request that a data controller, including Google, erases personal data about them in certain circumstances. These include where the data is no longer necessary for the purpose for which it was collected, where you withdraw consent, where the processing is unlawful, or where a compelling legitimate interest in retaining the data has ceased. It is not an absolute right – it is subject to a balancing exercise – but when the grounds are clearly established, it is enforceable.
How do I make a GDPR erasure request to Google?
Google provides an online form for right to be forgotten requests. However, simply submitting the form with basic information is very unlikely to result in removal. Google applies a detailed balancing test to every request, and requests that do not engage with the relevant legal grounds or address the public interest question are routinely declined. Working with a specialist solicitor ensures your request is framed in a way that Google's legal team will take seriously – identifying the precise legal ground, addressing the proportionality test, and presenting the strongest available argument for the specific content in question.
What if Google refuses my erasure request?
A refusal from Google is not the end of the road. There are multiple routes available following a Google refusal: you can submit a more detailed application with additional legal arguments; you can complain to the ICO, which has the power to require Google to erase the data; or, in appropriate cases, you can pursue legal proceedings. We guide clients through all of these options and have successfully achieved removal in cases where Google's initial refusal seemed final.
Can the ICO force Google to comply with an erasure request?
Yes. The ICO has enforcement powers under the UK GDPR that allow it to require data controllers, including Google, to comply with erasure requests. When the ICO upholds a complaint, it can issue an enforcement notice requiring Google to erase the relevant data. This is not a common outcome – the ICO investigates complaints carefully and does not uphold every case – but where the legal arguments are strong, it is a real and powerful route. Cohen Davis Solicitors have experience preparing ICO complaints that have resulted in this outcome.
Does UK GDPR apply to overseas websites appearing in UK Google?
UK GDPR has extraterritorial reach. It applies to the processing of personal data of UK residents, regardless of where the controller is established, where that processing is related to the offering of goods or services to UK residents or the monitoring of their behaviour in the UK. In practice, this means that many overseas websites – particularly those targeting a UK audience – are subject to UK GDPR. We advise on the jurisdictional aspects of each case and identify the appropriate route where overseas sites are involved.
What is special category data and does it get stronger protection?
Special category data is defined in Article 9 of UK GDPR and includes personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, genetic data, biometric data, health data, sex life or sexual orientation, and criminal convictions and offences. Processing of special category data is generally prohibited unless a specific additional condition is met. Where special category data appears in Google search results without a clear legal basis for processing, the grounds for erasure are significantly strengthened. We specifically identify and invoke special category protections where they apply.
Can I use GDPR to remove data broker listings from Google?
Yes, in many cases. Data brokers compile personal profiles from public sources – electoral rolls, company records, court records, social media – and publish them on websites indexed by Google. Where this processing is unlawful or disproportionate, UK GDPR provides grounds for erasure. We have experience both in challenging the data broker sites directly and in securing removal of those pages from Google's index, even where the broker itself has declined to remove the content.
How long does Google have to respond to a GDPR erasure request?
Under UK GDPR, data controllers must respond to erasure requests within one month. This period can be extended by a further two months where the request is complex or numerous, but the controller must inform you of the extension and the reasons for it within the first month. In practice, Google typically responds within a few weeks. Where it refuses, it must provide reasons. Our applications are designed to pre-empt the most common refusal grounds, but where a refusal is received we advise quickly on the next steps.
About the free Expert Assessment
What happens during the free Expert Assessment?
One of our specialist solicitors will spend up to 15 minutes with you – by phone or video call – reviewing the specific data or content you want removed, identifying the applicable UK GDPR grounds, and giving you an honest assessment of what is achievable and how. There is no obligation to proceed and no cost for the assessment whatsoever.
Do I need to prepare anything before the call?
It helps to have the URLs of the content or pages you are concerned about to hand. If you know which site or platform hosts the data, that is useful too. But do not let lack of preparation prevent you from calling – our solicitors can identify and review the relevant content quickly during the call itself.
Is my enquiry confidential?
Completely. Everything you tell us is covered by solicitor-client confidentiality. We do not share your details with third parties, we do not publicise client cases without explicit consent, and we treat every enquiry with the utmost discretion. Your privacy is our professional obligation.
How quickly can you begin work on my case if I decide to instruct you?
We can begin work immediately upon instruction. The timeline for achieving erasure depends on the complexity of the case, the number of URLs involved, and how Google and any publishers respond. We will provide you with a realistic timetable at the assessment stage so you know what to expect.
What our clients say
How the process works
Step 1 – Free Expert Assessment
A specialist solicitor reviews the data you want erased, identifies the applicable UK GDPR grounds, and gives you an honest view of the prospects and process. No cost, no obligation, up to 15 minutes.
Step 2 – Legal Erasure Application
We prepare a legally grounded UK GDPR Article 17 application tailored to your specific data and circumstances. We handle all correspondence with Google, the publisher, and any data broker – including follow-up when initial responses are received.
Step 3 – Escalation Where Needed
Where Google or a publisher declines to erase, we escalate – through ICO complaints, formal legal correspondence, or further legal routes – until erasure is achieved or all legitimate options are exhausted and we advise you accordingly.
Fees and transparency
The free Expert Assessment carries no charge and no obligation. If we recommend proceeding with a UK GDPR erasure application, we will provide you with a clear written estimate of costs before you commit to anything.
Our fees are fixed where possible. The cost depends on the volume of URLs, the complexity of the legal arguments, the sensitivity of the data, and whether escalation – such as an ICO complaint or publisher correspondence – is required. We explain all costs clearly at the outset.
As SRA regulated solicitors, we are bound by professional obligations on costs transparency. You will always know what you are paying, what you are getting, and what the realistic prospects are. We do not take cases we do not believe have genuine prospects of success.
Request Your Free Expert Assessment
Complete the form below and one of our specialist solicitors will contact you to arrange your free 15-minute Expert Assessment. All enquiries are strictly confidential.
Or call us directly: 0800 612 7211 (Monday–Friday, 9am–6pm)
Remove Not Guilty and Acquittal Articles from Google – Free Expert Assessment
Being found not guilty or having proceedings discontinued should mean you can move forward with your life. But if the article about the original charge or trial is still appearing prominently in Google search results, the damage continues every single day. Colleagues, employers, clients and acquaintances who search your name will find that article – and many will not look far enough to find the verdict.
This is one of the strongest legal bases for removal under UK GDPR. The continued prominence of an article about a case where you were acquitted causes real, measurable harm that is disproportionate to any remaining public interest in the material. The law recognises this. Google has accepted removals on this basis. The ICO has upheld complaints on this basis. And Cohen Davis Solicitors have built one of the most consistent track records in the UK for securing these removals.
We have removed hundreds of acquittal and not-guilty articles from Google search results for clients across the UK and internationally. Whether the article appears on a national newspaper site, a local paper, a court reporting aggregator, or a legal database, we know the legal routes, the arguments that succeed, and the steps to take when Google or the publisher initially refuses.
Our free 15-minute Expert Assessment is the starting point. One of our specialist solicitors will review your situation, identify the strongest legal grounds, and tell you honestly whether removal is achievable. There is no obligation and no cost. Call us on 0800 612 7211 or complete the form below.
Real results for real clients
These are not estimates. They are outcomes achieved by Cohen Davis Solicitors for named clients who had given up hope of removing damaging online content.
“Your assistance and guidance is far beyond the value of any fees paid.”
“1000 thank yous for removing the pages.”
The ICO accepted “most if not all of the very cogent arguments” put forward by Cohen Davis.
About Cohen Davis Solicitors
Cohen Davis Solicitors is one of the UK's most experienced internet law firms, led by Yair Cohen – a solicitor who has been working in online reputation and data protection law for over 25 years. The firm is SRA regulated and has acted for individuals, business owners, professionals and public figures who need online content removed legally and permanently.
We do not use SEO tricks or suppression tactics. We use the law – UK GDPR, the right to be forgotten, defamation law, and ICO enforcement – to secure real, verified removals from Google's search index and, where possible, from the source websites themselves.
Our specialist focus on acquittal and not-guilty content means we understand the specific legal arguments that work, the objections Google and publishers will raise, and how to counter them effectively. If removal is achievable in your case, we will tell you. If it is not, we will tell you that too – honestly and without obligation.
What acquittal and not guilty content can be removed from Google?
Cohen Davis Solicitors have experience securing removals across a wide range of acquittal-related content types. The following categories regularly form the basis of successful removal applications:
The original charge or arrest report remains indexed in Google even though the outcome was not guilty – and the article rarely, if ever, reports the acquittal.
A news story published when charges were laid, with no follow-up report of the discontinuance. The first article lives on; the resolution never gets covered.
The CPS or police dropped the matter – but the article naming you persists in search results, often at the top of page 1 for your name.
A conviction that was quashed on appeal, with the original damaging coverage still visible in Google and the appeal outcome nowhere to be found.
Verbatim or near-verbatim court reporting that names you in connection with proceedings that ultimately concluded in your favour.
From the Daily Mail to a regional free paper – online archives remain indexed indefinitely unless challenged through the right legal route.
Sites that automatically scrape and republish court reports, often without editorial review or a proper takedown process.
If you are unsure whether the content about you falls into one of these categories, our free Expert Assessment will clarify this immediately.
Does your situation match one of these common scenarios?
You were found not guilty – but the article about the charge still ranks in Google
The verdict was clear but Google still shows the original article. Your name is permanently associated with a criminal charge you were cleared of. This is one of the strongest grounds for a right to be forgotten application.
The prosecution was dropped – but a news story about the arrest remains online
The Crown Prosecution Service reviewed the evidence and decided not to proceed, yet the news article from the time of the arrest is still indexed. The public interest in keeping that article live is minimal – the argument for removal is strong.
Your conviction was overturned on appeal – but the original articles remain in Google
A successful appeal should mean the record reflects the true outcome. When it does not – when search results continue to show the original conviction – we can pursue removal on the basis that the continued indexing is both inaccurate and disproportionately harmful.
You were a witness or named individual in a trial you had nothing to do with
Sometimes people are named in court reports as witnesses, background figures, or associates – without ever being accused of anything. Those references can follow you through search results for years. We regularly achieve removal for individuals caught up in proceedings they were not party to.
A news outlet reported the charge but never followed up with the verdict
This is one of the most common and damaging patterns we see. The arrest or charge made the news. The acquittal did not. The original article, presenting you as a suspect, is all anyone searching your name will find. This asymmetry of coverage is a powerful basis for a removal request.
A local paper article about a case from years ago still dominates Google results
Something that happened five, ten or fifteen years ago – and was resolved in your favour – continues to appear at the top of search results for your name. The passage of time, combined with the acquittal outcome, significantly strengthens the case for removal.
The article names you in connection with someone else's conviction
You were named in connection with a trial or investigation that resulted in someone else being convicted – not you. Yet search results associate your name with that conviction. This is a situation where the legal grounds for removal are particularly compelling.
A professional body investigation that was resolved in your favour
Regulatory investigations – by professional bodies such as the GMC, SRA, FCA or others – sometimes attract media coverage. If the investigation was closed without a finding against you, the coverage of that investigation may be removable from Google search results.
Why we succeed where others fail: our approach to acquittal removals
On file for life – because the law requires it
Removed content sometimes returns. Sites refresh their archives. Articles migrate to a different platform. Google’s algorithm shifts. As regulated solicitors we are professionally required to retain our file – including Google’s own written removal confirmation references. If the content reappears, we pull the file and resend. No refighting yesterday’s case at full fee.
Removing an acquittal article from Google is not a simple process. Google's initial response to most removal requests is a refusal. Publishers frequently argue that their articles were accurate at the time of publication and that there is an ongoing public interest in retaining them. These objections are predictable – and we know how to address them.
As a law firm with an excellent reputation in this field, we have legal leverage that content removal companies simply do not have. We can send letters before action that carry genuine legal weight, issue court proceedings, and make ICO complaints that are taken seriously precisely because they come from a regulated firm with a track record in this area. That reputation – built over 25 years – changes the dynamic of every interaction with Google and publishers.
Our approach combines deep legal expertise in UK GDPR Article 17, the right to be forgotten, and defamation law with a thorough understanding of how Google's internal review process works. We present arguments in the format and language that Google's legal teams respond to. We do not use template letters. Every application is crafted around the specific facts of your case.
When Google refuses, we escalate. We have successfully pursued complaints to the ICO that have resulted in Google being required to remove content. We have worked with publishers to secure voluntary removal at source. We understand the full chain of options available and we pursue them methodically until the result is achieved – or until we have exhausted every legitimate route and advised you accordingly.
For acquittal content specifically, the legal framework is particularly clear. The right to be forgotten under UK GDPR explicitly recognises that the passage of time and a change in circumstances – such as a not guilty verdict – reduces the public interest in retaining personal data in a form that is easily discoverable. We use this framework expertly.
Why instruct a solicitor rather than using a reputation management company?
25+ years’ experience in content removal – Cohen Davis Solicitors
| What you need | Cohen Davis Solicitors | Reputation management company |
|---|---|---|
| Legal basis for Google removal | ✓ UK GDPR Article 17; right to be forgotten; defamation law applied by qualified solicitors | ✗ Usually no legal expertise; informal requests only |
| ICO complaints | ✓ Full ICO complaint capability; we have won ICO complaints that led to forced Google removals | ✗ Cannot lodge or conduct ICO complaints |
| Publisher contact | ✓ Solicitor correspondence carries legal weight; publishers take formal legal contact seriously | ✗ May approach publishers informally with limited leverage |
| Transparency | ✓ Clear, honest assessment from the outset – including where removal is unlikely | ✗ Often opaque processes and vague timelines |
| Outcome | ✓ Actual, verified removal from Google's search index – not suppression | ✗ Often relies on SEO suppression rather than actual removal |
| Regulation | ✓ SRA regulated – full professional accountability and client protection | ✗ Largely unregulated industry |
| Years of specialist experience | ✓ 25+ years of specialist internet law and content removal experience | ✗ Limited – content removal companies are a relatively recent industry |
Frequently asked questions
Removing not guilty and acquittal articles from Google
Can an article about a not guilty verdict be removed from Google?
Yes – in many cases it can. The right to be forgotten under UK GDPR provides a clear legal basis for requesting removal of personal data that is no longer proportionate to keep in easily searchable form. An article about a criminal charge where you were acquitted is one of the strongest categories for removal, because the continued prominence of the article causes harm that outweighs any legitimate public interest in retaining it. Our free Expert Assessment will tell you quickly whether your case has strong prospects.
What if the article was factually accurate at the time it was published?
Historical accuracy does not prevent removal. UK GDPR Article 17 recognises that data which was accurate when collected can become inappropriate to retain in a searchable, prominent form as time passes or circumstances change. An acquittal is a fundamental change in circumstances. The article may have been accurate about the charge – but it is now misleading in the context of an outcome that most readers will never find.
Does it matter how long ago the acquittal was?
The passage of time generally strengthens rather than weakens your case. The longer an article about a resolved matter has been online, and the further the events recede into history, the harder it is for Google or the publisher to argue that a compelling public interest remains in keeping that article easily discoverable. We have successfully removed articles relating to proceedings that concluded over a decade ago.
Can I remove an article from a case where charges were dropped before trial?
Yes. If charges were dropped, discontinued or never formally proceeded with, the legal basis for removal is if anything stronger than in a case that went to trial. There was no conviction, no public judgment was reached, and any remaining public interest in the article naming you is minimal. We have secured removals in many such cases.
What if I was a witness, not a defendant?
Being named as a witness in court proceedings can attract just as much unwanted search visibility as being named as a defendant. The legal routes for removal are similar, and the proportionality argument is often even stronger – you were not accused of anything, yet your name is permanently associated with criminal proceedings through the search results. We regularly act for witnesses and named third parties in this situation.
The newspaper that published the article has refused to take it down – can you still help?
Yes. A publisher's refusal does not end the process. We can pursue removal directly from Google's search index even where the publisher declines to remove the article from their website. A right to be forgotten application to Google is made independently of the publisher. We can also explore whether the publisher's refusal can be challenged via the ICO or through legal correspondence that makes the legal position more clearly understood.
Can these articles be removed urgently if they are affecting my employment?
We understand that for some clients, the impact on employment is acute and immediate. While the legal process cannot be circumvented, we are able to prioritise urgent cases and identify which routes are most likely to result in the fastest outcome. Please tell us about the urgency when you contact us and we will address it specifically in your assessment.
Does an acquittal guarantee the article can be removed from Google?
No, and we will always be honest with you about this. An acquittal is a very strong basis for removal, but it is not an automatic guarantee. Some cases involve a genuine, substantial public interest – for example, if the individual is a public official or if the case involved serious public concern – that may mean Google declines to remove the article even following an acquittal. Our free Expert Assessment will give you an honest view of the prospects in your specific case before you commit to anything.
About the free Expert Assessment
What happens during the free Expert Assessment?
One of our specialist solicitors will spend up to 15 minutes with you – by phone or video call – reviewing the specific content you want removed, assessing the legal grounds that apply to your case, and giving you a clear view of the options available. There is no obligation to proceed and no cost for the assessment.
Do I need to prepare anything before the call?
It helps to have the URL or URLs of the content you want removed to hand. If you know the name of the publication or platform, that is useful too. But do not let lack of preparation stop you from calling – our solicitors are experienced at quickly identifying and reviewing the relevant content during the call.
How quickly can you start working on my case?
Once instructed, we can begin work on your case immediately. The speed of the overall process depends on the complexity of the case, the number of URLs involved, and how quickly Google and any publishers respond. We will give you a realistic timeline at assessment.
Is my enquiry confidential?
Completely. Everything you tell us is covered by solicitor-client confidentiality. We do not share your details with third parties and we do not publicise details of client cases without explicit consent. Your privacy is our professional obligation.
What our clients say
How the process works
Step 1 – Free Expert Assessment
A specialist solicitor reviews the content you want removed, assesses the legal grounds available, and gives you an honest view of the likely outcome. No cost, no obligation, up to 15 minutes.
Step 2 – Legal Strategy & Application
We prepare a tailored legal application to Google and, where relevant, to the publisher. Every application is based on the specific facts of your case and the strongest applicable legal grounds. We handle all correspondence.
Step 3 – Removal & Escalation
Where Google or the publisher agrees, content is removed and we verify the outcome. Where they refuse, we escalate – through ICO complaints, further legal correspondence, or other routes – until the result is achieved or all options are exhausted.
Fees and transparency
We believe in transparent, honest pricing. The free Expert Assessment carries no charge and no obligation whatsoever. If we recommend proceeding, we will provide you with a clear written estimate of costs before you commit to instructing us.
Our fees are fixed where possible, with no hidden charges. The cost of your case will depend on the number of URLs involved, the complexity of the legal arguments, and whether escalation to the ICO or publisher correspondence is required. We will explain all of this clearly before you make any decision.
As SRA regulated solicitors, we are bound by professional obligations on costs transparency that reputation management companies are not. You will always know what you are paying and what you are getting.
Request Your Free Expert Assessment
Complete the form below and one of our specialist solicitors will contact you to arrange your free 15-minute Expert Assessment. All enquiries are strictly confidential.
Or call us directly: 0800 612 7211 (Monday–Friday, 9am–6pm)
Remove Images and Videos from Google – Free Expert Assessment
Finding an image or video of yourself in Google search results – whether it is an intimate photograph, a mugshot, an old press picture, a deepfake or a video posted without your consent – is among the most distressing experiences you can face online. The visual nature of this content makes it uniquely harmful: it is immediate, it is shocking, and it can cause severe damage to your reputation, your relationships, your employment and your mental wellbeing. Cohen Davis Solicitors specialise in removing images and videos from Google, and we treat every case with the urgency, sensitivity and legal expertise it requires.
We act in cases involving personal photographs indexed in Google Images, mugshots and arrest photos that continue to circulate years after a matter has resolved, intimate images shared without consent, deepfakes and AI-generated images, YouTube videos appearing in Google search results, social media video content on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X, paparazzi or press photographs published without your authorisation, images from old news articles, and screenshot or thumbnail images appearing in Google's search interface. Whatever type of image or video is causing you harm, we will assess your situation and advise you honestly on your removal options.
Where cases involve intimate images – including photographs or videos of a sexual nature that have been shared without consent – we are aware that speed is critical. The sharing of intimate images without consent is a specific criminal offence under UK law, and both Google and the platforms hosting the content have legal obligations that our solicitors know how to enforce rapidly. We handle these cases with complete confidentiality and with the urgency the situation demands.
Every communication you have with us is protected by legal professional privilege from the first moment of contact. Your situation is confidential. Call us on 0800 612 7211 or complete the form below to request your free 15-minute expert assessment with a specialist solicitor today.
Proven Results: Images, Videos and Search Results We Have Removed
Our solicitors have successfully removed images, videos and associated search results in cases ranging from large-scale Google delisting campaigns to urgent intimate image removal and regulatory ICO proceedings. Our track record spans the full breadth of visual content removal.
These results demonstrate what is possible with specialist solicitor-led representation. We cannot guarantee identical outcomes – each case is different – but we will give you a candid expert view on your realistic options at the outset.
About Cohen Davis Solicitors
Cohen Davis Solicitors is one of the UK's leading specialist internet law firms. The firm is founded and led by Yair Cohen, a solicitor who has practised exclusively in internet law since 2008 and is widely recognised as a pioneer of the right to be forgotten in the United Kingdom. Yair Cohen has represented clients in some of the most significant online reputation cases in UK legal history.
The firm is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). This means every client has the full protection of the solicitor-client relationship – including legal professional privilege from first contact, strict confidentiality obligations, and recourse to the SRA's professional conduct standards. When you share sensitive personal information with us about images or videos that concern you, you do so under the strongest available legal protection.
We handle image and video removal cases across a wide range of situations: intimate images shared without consent (including those covered by the specific criminal offence in UK law), deepfakes and AI-generated imagery, mugshots and arrest photographs, paparazzi and press images, social media content, YouTube videos, and images indexed from news archives. We handle each case with complete sensitivity and discretion.
Our clients include private individuals, professionals, public figures and businesses from across the UK, the United States, Europe and beyond. Unlike non-legal reputation management services, as solicitors we can bring legal proceedings, issue formal notices, engage with the ICO and apply to court – authority that is often decisive in image and video removal cases.
What Images and Videos Can Be Removed from Google?
Our solicitors assess image and video removal cases across every category of visual content. Below are the main types of image and video content we work to remove from Google, along with the specific legal frameworks and strategies applicable to each.
Personal Photographs in Google Images
Personal photographs – whether sourced from social media, websites, data aggregators or news archives – that are indexed in Google Images. UK GDPR, the right to erasure and copyright law may all provide grounds for removal depending on the circumstances of publication.
Mugshots and Arrest Photographs
Mugshot websites and local news archives regularly publish arrest photographs that remain indexed on Google for years, often long after a matter has resolved or a conviction is spent. These are among the most commonly removed categories under the right to be forgotten.
Intimate Images Without Consent
The sharing of intimate images without consent is a specific criminal offence under the Online Safety Act 2023 and earlier legislation. We treat these cases as urgent. We pursue removal from both Google's index and the hosting platform, engaging platform abuse and legal enforcement channels simultaneously.
Deepfakes and AI-Generated Images
Artificially generated or manipulated images – including deepfakes placing your likeness in sexual or harmful contexts – are increasingly common and increasingly damaging. Both the creation and sharing of intimate deepfakes are now criminal offences in the UK. We pursue urgent removal through all available legal channels.
YouTube Videos
YouTube videos that appear in Google Search results can be removed through a combination of YouTube's own enforcement processes, DMCA copyright claims, privacy reporting, and – where these fail – formal legal notice. As solicitors, our formal legal notices to Google and YouTube carry authority that individual requests do not.
Social Media Video Content
Videos posted on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (Twitter) and other social platforms that appear in Google search results. We can pursue removal from the hosting platform under their terms of service, UK law, or both – and separately pursue Google delisting of the indexed result.
Images Embedded in News Articles
Photographs published as part of news articles – whether in a tabloid, local newspaper or online news outlet – that continue to appear in Google Images. The right to be forgotten and, in some cases, defamation or privacy law provide grounds for removal of the indexed image even where the article itself remains published.
Paparazzi and Press Photographs
Photographs taken and published without your consent – including paparazzi shots, press photographs from public events, and images taken in contexts where you had a reasonable expectation of privacy. Privacy law and, where appropriate, copyright law (if you own rights in the image) provide grounds for removal.
Screenshots
Screenshots of social media posts, private messages or other content that has been published online and indexed by Google. Depending on the nature of the screenshotted content, grounds for removal may include data protection law, copyright, defamation or harassment law.
Thumbnail Images in Google Search
Even where a video or article has been removed from its source, a cached thumbnail image may continue to appear in Google Search. We include thumbnail removal as part of comprehensive Google image delisting, ensuring no visual trace of the original content remains in Google's index.
Do Any of These Situations Apply to You?
If you recognise your situation in any of the scenarios below, we can help. Request your free expert assessment to find out what your options are.
An intimate image or video has been shared without your consent
This is an urgent situation. The non-consensual sharing of intimate images is a criminal offence under UK law. We treat these cases as our highest priority, pursuing immediate removal from both the hosting platform and Google's index simultaneously. Do not wait – call us now on 0800 612 7211.
A mugshot or arrest photo appears in Google Images
Arrest photographs published by police forces, local news outlets or dedicated mugshot websites can remain indexed in Google Images for years. We have extensive experience removing mugshots and arrest photos – including for convictions that are spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and for matters that were never prosecuted.
An old photograph from a news article still appears when you search your name
A photograph published alongside a news article – perhaps years ago – continues to appear in Google Images even though the underlying matter has long since resolved. The right to be forgotten and privacy law may provide grounds for removing the image from Google's index even where the article itself has not been removed.
A YouTube video about you is appearing in Google results
A video on YouTube – whether posted by someone who wishes you harm, an old press clip, or content that was once harmless but is now damaging in context – appears in Google's search results when someone searches your name. We handle YouTube removal cases using a combination of Google's own processes and formal legal authority.
A deepfake or AI-generated image of you is indexed
An artificially generated image – including images created using AI tools to place your likeness in false or sexual contexts – has been published online and indexed by Google. Both the creation of intimate deepfakes and their sharing are now criminal offences in the UK. We pursue urgent removal through all available legal channels.
Social media images posted by others appear when someone searches your name
Images posted by other people on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X or another platform – whether tagging you or simply showing you – are indexed in Google Images and appearing when your name is searched. Depending on the image and how it was obtained, UK GDPR, privacy law or the platform's own terms may provide grounds for removal.
Paparazzi or press photographs published without your consent
Photographs taken and published without your authorisation – including paparazzi shots, images taken at events, or photographs published by press outlets in circumstances where you had a reasonable expectation of privacy – appear in Google Images. Privacy law and, in appropriate cases, copyright law provide routes to removal.
Images from a professional context that are damaging in a personal one
Photographs taken in a professional setting – a conference, a court appearance, a company profile – that are now appearing in personal searches and creating a misleading or harmful impression. These cases may be addressed through UK GDPR requests, defamation arguments (where the image creates a false impression) or direct engagement with the source.
Why We Succeed Where Others Fail at Image and Video Removal
On file for life – because the law requires it
Removed content sometimes returns. Sites refresh their archives. Articles migrate to a different platform. Google’s algorithm shifts. As regulated solicitors we are professionally required to retain our file – including Google’s own written removal confirmation references. If the content reappears, we pull the file and resend. No refighting yesterday’s case at full fee.
25+ years’ experience in content removal – Cohen Davis Solicitors
Image and video removal from Google is more complex than it may appear. Platforms have incentives to resist removal, legal frameworks are nuanced, and the self-service tools available to individuals are inadequate for most cases. Here is why solicitor-led representation produces substantially better results:
- ✓Legal authority that commands attention. A formal legal notice from a solicitor – citing specific statutory provisions, naming the applicable grounds for removal, and indicating the legal consequences of non-compliance – produces a fundamentally different response from Google, YouTube and website operators than an individual's request.
- ✓Specialist knowledge of intimate image law. The law on intimate images has developed significantly in recent years, particularly through the Online Safety Act 2023 and the criminal offences it created. Our solicitors understand these provisions and use them effectively in urgent removal cases.
- ✓Deepfake and AI image expertise. The law on AI-generated imagery is evolving rapidly. Our solicitors stay current with developments in this area and can deploy both the emerging legal framework and the platform-level reporting processes most likely to achieve urgent removal.
- ✓Dual-track removal strategy. We pursue both Google delisting and removal from the source platform simultaneously. Removing an image only from Google's index does not remove it from the hosting website – and does not prevent re-indexing. We pursue both tracks to achieve comprehensive, durable results.
- ✓ICO route where platforms resist. Where a platform refuses to remove content that constitutes a breach of data protection law, we can bring formal complaints and proceedings before the Information Commissioner's Office. This regulatory route – which we have used successfully, as in Diego's case – is often decisive.
- ✓Speed in urgent cases. For intimate images and other urgent matters, we move quickly. We understand that every hour that content remains indexed and accessible causes additional harm, and we structure our approach accordingly.
- ✓Confidentiality and legal privilege. Everything you tell us about the images or videos you want removed is protected by legal professional privilege. Our obligation of confidentiality is absolute. Many clients in image removal cases are concerned about who may become aware of the situation – with us, that concern is addressed from the outset.
Why Use a Solicitor – Not a Content Removal Company – for Image and Video Removal?
Image and video removal cases – particularly those involving intimate images, deepfakes, or content on resistant platforms – require legal authority that Content removal companies simply do not have. The table below explains the critical differences.
| Capability | Cohen Davis Solicitors | Content removal company |
|---|---|---|
| Can issue formal legal removal notices under UK law | ✓ | ✗ |
| Knowledge of intimate image offences under Online Safety Act 2023 | ✓ | ✗ |
| Communications protected by legal professional privilege | ✓ | ✗ |
| Can bring ICO proceedings for data protection breaches | ✓ | ✗ |
| Can apply to court for urgent injunctions | ✓ | ✗ |
| SRA regulated – strict professional conduct standards | ✓ | ✗ |
| Pursues both Google delisting and source platform removal | ✓ | Typically delisting only |
| Expertise in deepfake and AI-generated image removal | ✓ | Unlikely |
| Handles YouTube and social media platform takedowns legally | ✓ | Reporting tools only |
| Free expert assessment before committing to any fees | ✓ | Varies |
| Years of specialist experience | ✓ 25+ years of specialist internet law and content removal experience | ✗ Limited – content removal companies are a relatively recent industry |
Frequently Asked Questions
Removing Images and Videos from Google
About the Free Expert Assessment
What Our Clients Say
Our clients come to us in some of the most sensitive and distressing situations imaginable. We are proud of both the results we achieve and the way we handle each case. Here is what some of our clients have said.
How the Process Works
Removing images and videos from Google with Cohen Davis Solicitors follows a clear three-stage process. For urgent cases – particularly intimate images – we accelerate each stage.
Free Expert Assessment
You request a free 15-minute consultation. A specialist solicitor reviews the images or videos at issue, identifies the applicable legal grounds – data protection, privacy, intimate image law, defamation or other – and gives you an honest assessment of your options and realistic prospects at no charge and with no obligation.
Strategy & Instruction
If we believe we can help and you instruct us, we develop a tailored strategy for your case. This will address both Google delisting and source platform removal where achievable, identify the strongest legal grounds, and include a clear fee agreement before any work begins.
Removal & Confirmation
We engage Google, the hosting platforms, website operators and the ICO as required, using our full legal authority to achieve removal. We keep you informed at every stage and confirm once the images or videos have been successfully removed from Google's index and, where achieved, from the source.
Our Fees
The initial 15-minute expert assessment is completely free of charge. There is no obligation to instruct us and no cost associated with the consultation itself.
If you instruct us, our fees depend on the nature and number of images or videos to be removed, the platforms involved, the legal strategy required, and whether the matter is contested by the hosting platform or website operator. We will provide you with a clear written fee estimate before any work begins.
For straightforward image delisting cases we typically offer fixed-fee arrangements. For more complex cases – including those involving multiple platforms, contested removal, ICO proceedings or court action – we offer hourly rate arrangements. We will always explain your fee options clearly and in writing before committing to any work.
For urgent intimate image cases, we understand that cost should not be a barrier to seeking help. We will discuss your specific situation and the options available – including the possibility of interim steps at reduced cost – during your assessment.
The first step – your free expert assessment – costs nothing. Request it today.
Request Your Free Expert Assessment
Complete the form below and a specialist solicitor will contact you to discuss removing your images or videos from Google. All enquiries are confidential and protected by legal professional privilege from the first contact.
Urgent? Please call us directly on 0800 612 7211 – we treat intimate image cases as our highest priority.
Are you completely fed up with people Googling your name and judging you by old errors?
It's time to do something about it. If you need help in removing material from the internet, give us a call 0207 183 4123. We are the only law firm that specialises in this area of law. We have a lot of experience in this area and we promise that our friendly lawyers will put you at ease and help you in reclaiming your life. There is a high likelihood that we will be able to help you remove unwanted content from the internet, including articles, videos and social media posts.
Case Studies
Testimonials
“Thank you and your team so very much for giving us our lives back. I cannot express adequately in words the peace of mind and freedom you have given to my family.”
Eric
3 pages removed
“1000 thank yous for removing the pages for me. It took a while but we finally got it off and I am delighted.”
HZ
579 pages removed – California
“I am really pleased with all the work that you have done for me and I am very happy with the outcome.”
James
12 pages removed
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