Bing implements 'right to be forgotten' ruling, asks applicants 'are you famous?'
Microsoft's search engine has only a tenth of the traffic of Google's in Europe but is also the default search engine on Windows Phone devices
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Microsoft’s search engine Bing has introduced an online form for EU citizens to request the removal of links in accordance with the EU’s ‘right to be forgotten’ ruling.
The landmark legislation introduced in May gives users the right to request the removal of links to content that is deemed “inadequate, irrelevant or no longer relevant”.
Because of the volume of traffic it handles and its direct involvement in the case that sparked the ruling, Google has been first to implement a takedown system.
Like Google’s form, Bing’s system requests documentation to confirm that the applicant is an EU resident and the specific URLs that they wished to be removed when users search their name.
In accordance with the European Court of Justice’s stipulation that the ruling not be used by the rich and powerful to airbrush their reputation online, Bing’s form also includes the question: “Are you a public figure (politician, celebrity, etc.)?”
Google has reported receiving more than 70,000 requests for takedowns with disgraced politicians and paedophiles among those attempting (unsuccessfully) to alter search results for their names.
The ruling has been widely criticized for potentially damaging free speech and freedom of expression within the EU.
It's also been noted that any users who want to circumvent the ruling can simply switch from using their local Google (eg google.co.uk) to the global/American version (google.com).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments