When search engines show a false and damaging impression of you
Being linked to offensive or criminal search terms on Google can be one of the most distressing online experiences. This article explains how a completely innocent individual found his name and photograph falsely associated with a serious criminal accusation, and how our legal team helped to correct the injustice. If you find yourself in a similar position, this case may offer reassurance that there is a legal path forward.
Case summary: removal of false allegations from Google Images results
The nature of the online defamation
Our legal approach: tackling Google's processing of personal data
The outcome: Google agrees to delist the image
Lawyer's thoughts about the case
Are you affected by false or defamatory Google search results?
Case summary: removal of false allegations from Google Images results
Our client, a family man and business owner from South-east London, contacted us after suffering a serious online reputational attack. The attack stemmed from a false and highly damaging suggestion that he was a convicted sex offender. His photograph appeared in Google Images next to search results for the phrase “Snapchat nonce”, a term that had no connection to him whatsoever.
What made matters worse was that this defamatory link was tied to an image taken from a genuine online news article, which simply reported on his effort to launch a social enterprise supporting ex-offenders. That original article made no accusations and contained nothing offensive. Yet Google’s search algorithm displayed his photo next to a deeply offensive phrase. Understandably, this caused our client serious distress and concern for his family and business.
The nature of the online defamation
The situation began when an unknown individual uploaded images of our client to Snapchat, falsely claiming he was a sex offender. These posts included incitements to violence and threats of harm. Though the posts on Snapchat were short-lived, others quickly shared and republished the images and comments. This meant that even after the original post was gone, the content continued to circulate.
Eventually, someone linked our client’s name and photograph to the derogatory phrase “Snapchat nonce” in Google searches. Anyone who searched for this phrase could see his photo alongside it, reinforcing a completely false and dangerous narrative. It was a clear example of how digital defamation can persist long after the original publication disappears with search engines like Google continuing to process and display defamatory associations.
Our legal approach: tackling Google's processing of personal data
When our client approached us, he explained that despite the news article being completely neutral, the way Google linked it to defamatory content gave the false impression that he had committed a serious criminal offence. After assessing the situation, we advised that while the matter technically fell outside the typical right to be forgotten framework, there were strong arguments under the UK GDPR. Google was processing outdated, inaccurate, excessive, and highly sensitive personal data, all without our client’s consent. This amounted to a clear breach of his right to privacy and, in our view, unlawful data processing.
We explained that cases like this often require a firm and detailed legal approach. Google typically does not respond favourably to simple takedown requests. In this case, we prepared and served a formal GDPR notice on Google, explaining the nature of the unlawful processing and requesting that our client’s image be removed from search results linked to the offensive phrase.
The outcome: Google agrees to delist the image
Following the GDPR notice, Google agreed to delist the image. The defamatory link between our client’s name and the offensive phrase no longer appears in search results. This brought our client great relief and marked the end of a very difficult and distressing chapter in his life. He expressed his gratitude for the speed and professionalism with which we handled his case.
Who this case can help
If your name or photograph appears in Google results next to false, defamatory, or offensive content, or to false criminal accusations, you may have legal options. This is especially true if the link between your identity and the search result is misleading, out of context, or based on outdated or unauthorised use of your image. At Cohen Davis, we specialise in helping victims of online harassment and defamatory search results. Whether your case involves Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, or simply a misrepresentation in Google Search, we can help you assert your data protection and privacy rights.
Lawyer's thoughts about the case
This case is a strong reminder that injustice online can happen to anyone, often without warning or reason. When your identity is falsely linked with offensive or criminal terms in search results, it can feel overwhelming and isolating. Worse still, many people are discouraged when they reach out to Google or other platforms and receive no response at all. Our experience shows that persistence pays off. Legal rights exist for a reason, and if exercised properly, they can bring powerful results. We often speak to people who are ready to give up after being ignored or dismissed. If that sounds familiar, we urge you not to lose hope.
Are you affected by false or defamatory Google search results?
You do not need to suffer in silence. If a Google search for your name brings up harmful or false content, contact our legal team today. We are experts in removing defamatory material from the internet and holding platforms accountable for unlawful data processing. Call 0207 183 4123.
