News article removal request letter
Editors accept requests that are well reasoned and offer reasonable alternatives; proposing anonymisation or noindex instead of deletion speeds things up.
Template
Dear [Editor],
Your article "[headline]" ([URL]), published on [date], names me and shows my photo.
[Reason: The case it describes ended in acquittal / was dropped on (date), decision attached. / The article dates from (year) and no longer serves the public interest. / The statement that (...) is inaccurate.]
The article is the top result for searches of my name and causes ongoing harm to [my work / my family].
Please consider one of the following:
1. removing the article;
2. replacing my name with initials and removing my photo;
3. adding a "noindex" tag so search engines no longer list the page.
I reserve my rights under data protection law.
Kind regards, [Full name] [Phone] [Email]Notes
Threats or anger risk being screenshotted and published. Keep it short, polite and documented. See also removing articles from news sites.
General information, not legal advice. In real cases we work alongside lawyers who specialise in digital rights.
Frequently asked questions
What if the editor does not reply?
Wait two weeks, send one reminder, then move on to a GDPR request, a Google request and legal routes.