Google does not have to delete sensitive information, says European court

[charitynjw]

European court of justice adviser says Google is not obliged to delete content even when it damages an individual's reputation

"Requesting search engine service providers to suppress legitimate and legal information that has entered the public domain would entail an interference with the freedom of expression," the court said, in a statement communicating Jääskinen's opinion.
"Search engine service providers are not responsible, on the basis of the Data Protection Directive, for personal data appearing on web pages they process."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology...ormation-court

[FlamingParrot]

Re: Google does not have to delete sensitive information, says European court

It all depends on what's classed as 'sensitive', note what the ICO wrote back to me in response to a complaint I raised:

...it is important to note that under the DPA legislation sensitive personal information is defined as, ‘personal data consisting of information as to-

• he racial or ethnic origin of the data subject.
• His political opinions
• His religious beliefs or other beliefs of a similar nature,
• Whether he is a member of a trade union…
• His physical or mental health or condition,
• His sexual life
• The commission or alleged commission by him of any offence,
• Any proceeding for any offence committed…’

It does not relate to financial data. It is also worth noting that anyone can request any information. However, it is for the individual to decide if they wish to provide that information.

As you can see, what we may regard as sensitive doesn't always correspond with the official line.