The Right to be Forgotten holds significant importance in the digital age, where personal information is easily accessible and can have enduring consequences. It’s a legal principle in some jurisdictions, primarily the European Union in their GDPR , that allows individuals to request the removal of their personal information from online platforms under certain circumstances. India, with their latest legislation- Digital Personal Data Privacy Act incorporates this right for citizens to leverage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who has also been a strong advocate of Digital Privacy since 2010 recently said while interacting with students of Delhi University that \u2018Citizens have the right to say that I gave you consent to use my data and no I want that data and my digital footprint to be removed from this platform.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Right to be Forgotten safeguards individuals’ privacy and empowers them to regain control over their personal data. In an era where online information can persist indefinitely, this right enables people to request the removal of outdated or irrelevant data that might no longer be accurate or necessary. This clause also vouches for family members who can opt for the removal of the social media profiles of the deceased people.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Secondly, the Right to be Forgotten fosters a balance between privacy and freedom of expression. While it allows individuals to request the removal of certain information, it also requires careful consideration of public interest and the right to access information. This concept encourages responsible data handling practices among organizations and platforms, ultimately promoting a more transparent and respectful digital environment where individuals can exercise their rights without stifling free speech.<\/p>\n\n\n\n