Has Google’s Defamation Removal Policy Changed?

Increasing denials from Google relating to requests that are defined in properly executed court orders to remove defamatory material from the search engine.

According to Chris Silver Smith, more attorneys have received rejections after requesting removal of defamatory content from Google’s search results. This implies a potential change in Google’s informal policy of approving court-ordered defamation removal requests.

Google used to have an informal policy of approving most removal requests when accompanied by a thoroughly executed court order pointing out defamatory content at specified URLs. But they seem to have stopped. Not every request is denied but the increasing number of rejections makes it clear that Google changed something.

Among the people receiving denials from Google belong victims that pursued months or even years of litigation to obtain a court order. Expecting that Google would remove the defaming content, based on Google’s years of unchanged policy.

You can find more details on Chris Silver Smith’s research here.

Please Note: Search engines, and various other online websites, are immune in the United States from liability for defamation/libel by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act (” CDA”).

Other options to remove damaging search results – besides lawsuit removal?

Pay up

Businesses put at risk by online reputation damage may decide to pay up to sites that remove content after charging thousands of dollars. It’s fulfilling to have extortionists caught and convicted, but your reputation is still threatened if you can’t undo the damage to your company.

Name change

There’s always the option to change your name. But switching to a different (company) name to stop online reputation damage is very costly; both financially as emotionally. Especially if you already have an established business name.

Suppression services

Another option is to deal with the defaming search results by suppressing the negatives to page 2 of Google or beyond. Page1.me provides professional services to suppress any negative search results that harm your reputation.

Start by finding out what people see when googling your (business)name and identify which negatives that need to be pushed down. The video below shows how you can preview your current reputation – for free.

Do It Yourself

No budget? Defamation911.org has free DIY and Self-Help material available so you can manage your reputation. Instructions are specified towards numerous websites like RipOff Report and ComplaintsBoard.

Source: Columnist Chris Silver Smith – “Paradigm shift: Has Google suspended defamation removals?“