Canada has seen important developments about delisting from search engines. This article explains the basics, what is still unsettled, and what you can realistically expect.
A recent development
In August 2025, Canada’s Privacy Commissioner published a finding that, under the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), certain information can be delisted from search results for a person’s name. The case involved news coverage of a criminal charge that was dropped. The Commissioner said that where a listing creates a risk of harm to a person’s safety or dignity that outweighs the public interest, delisting can be required. Reports say Google declined to follow the recommendation and questioned the Commissioner’s jurisdiction, so the matter is still developing.
What delisting means
Delisting removes a page from results for a name search. The article stays on the publisher’s website and can still appear for other searches. It is a different step from deleting an article.
Other Canadian rules to know
- Record suspensions. The Criminal Records Act allows eligible people to apply for a record suspension (formerly called a pardon). It affects official records, not copies online.
- Defamation. Libel law is provincial, and the facts, truth and public interest all matter.
- Provincial privacy laws. Quebec and some other provinces have their own rules.
How we think about it
The law is moving, but the practical result of a case is hard to predict. A lawyer can advise whether a claim makes sense. For results that stay online, accurate and current content can change what appears first, over weeks or months.
Related reading: our content removal overview, search suppression, and removal vs suppression. You can also see our packages.
Frequently asked questions
Does Canada have a right to be forgotten?
Not in the same way as the EU. Recent privacy findings point towards a form of delisting, but the details are still developing.
Will an article disappear if it is delisted?
No. It usually remains on the publisher’s website.
Do you guarantee a result?
No. We do not guarantee outcomes. Search engines, publishers and courts make their own decisions, and we tell you what is realistic before you commit.
This article is general information about Canada, not legal advice. Laws change, so speak to a qualified lawyer about your situation.