Many Australians assume they can demand that old articles about them be erased. Australian law works differently from the European model, so it helps to know what exists and what does not before you decide what to do.
No general right to be forgotten
Australia does not have a general right to be forgotten like the one in Europe. The Privacy Act 1988 regulates how certain organisations handle personal information, and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) oversees it. Privacy law in Australia has been under review, so the position may change.
Defamation law
Defamation is mainly a state and territory matter. Reforms in recent years introduced a serious harm threshold in most jurisdictions, and claims must usually be brought within a short time limit. Truth and other defences can apply. Whether something is defamatory depends on the exact words and context, so legal advice is important.
Serious online abuse
For certain kinds of harm, such as image-based abuse or serious cyber abuse, the eSafety Commissioner has powers under Australian law. These do not cover ordinary negative articles or reviews.
Old convictions
Spent convictions schemes exist federally and in the states and territories, but they limit how information may be used, not whether a news article stays online.
What reputation work can do
- Review which pages appear for your name and what they say.
- Check whether any content may breach a platform’s policy or a law.
- Build accurate, current content that gives a fuller picture.
Results take time and vary from case to case.
Related reading: our content removal overview, search suppression, and removal vs suppression. You can also see our packages.
Frequently asked questions
Can I force Google to delete an article in Australia?
There is no general legal right that does this. Platforms have their own policies, and a lawyer can advise whether a legal claim exists.
Is a negative review defamation?
Sometimes, if it states false facts that cause serious harm. Honest opinion is treated differently.
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 Australia, not legal advice. Laws change, so speak to a qualified lawyer about your situation.