How to Remove a News Article from Google and the Internet

If you have been the unwilling subject of a damaging online news article, you may be wondering how you can remove it from Google search results and the internet. Most people think that once something is online, it will stay there forever—but that is not always true.

As an attorney who has dedicated my entire legal career to helping individuals and businesses protect their online reputations, I know firsthand the devastation that negative news articles can cause when they appear on the first page of Google search results. I’ve seen the stress, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness that my clients experience when false accusations or embarrassing stories surface online. It can feel like your world is crumbling, and you can do nothing to stop it.

But here’s the good news: you’re not alone, and there is hope. You don’t have to sit back and let these negative articles define you. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the exact steps my team and I use to help our clients regain control of their online presence and mitigate the damage of negative press. We’ll cover everything from assessing the impact of the article to exploring your removal options to implementing proactive measures to fortify your reputation going forward.

Why Do Negative Articles Tend to Rank High in Google Search Results?

There are a few key reasons why negative news articles tend to rank highly in search results for a person’s name:

1. High authority of news websites: Google’s algorithms assign significant weight to content published on established, reputable news websites.
2. The uniqueness of personal names: Most people’s names are relatively unique, so there’s often less competition for those search terms compared to more generic keywords.
3. Engagement and virality: Negative news stories often generate significant engagement in the form of clicks, comments, and social shares.
4. Lack of positive content: If an individual hasn’t proactively created and optimized positive content about themselves online, there may be a vacuum that allows negative articles to dominate their search results.

The combination of these factors can create a perfect storm where a single negative news article becomes the defining piece of content about an individual online.

How Long Do Newspaper Articles Stay Online?

Here are some key factors that influence how long newspaper articles stay online:

1. Publisher’s archiving policies: Each news organization has its own guidelines for archiving and maintaining its online content. Some publications keep their entire digital archive accessible to the public, while others may only retain articles for a certain period of time before moving them behind a paywall or removing them entirely.
2. Legal obligations: In some cases, news websites may be required by law to maintain public access to certain articles, such as those related to legal proceedings or matters of public record.
3. Historical significance: Articles that cover major events, important figures, or significant societal issues are more likely to be preserved indefinitely due to their historical value and potential interest to future researchers.
4. Online popularity: Articles that receive a high volume of traffic, engagement, and backlinks may be more likely to be retained and prominently featured in the publication’s archive due to their perceived relevance and value to readers.
5. Digital platform: The longevity of an online news article may also depend on the digital platform where it’s published. Articles hosted on a news outlet’s own website may be more stable and long-lasting compared to those published on third-party platforms or social media.

In many cases, news articles can remain online and accessible through search engines for years or even decades after their initial publication. This is why negative news stories can have such a long-lasting impact on an individual’s online reputation.

Removing a News Article from Google Search and the Internet

The most effective way to remove a news article from Google is to contact the publisher directly and request they take it down. This process, known as “unpublishing,” involves reaching out to the news agency or author to explain why the article should be removed. If the publisher agrees, the article can be taken down, removing it from both the website and Google search results.

Other Options for Removing or Reducing the Impact of a News Article

If unpublishing isn’t possible, here are some other methods to explore:

1. Legal Action for Defamation or Invasion of Privacy
   If the news article contains false or defamatory information, pursuing legal action may be an option. With a court order, you can compel the publisher to remove the content. This is a more expensive and time-consuming option but can be highly effective in serious cases.
2. Requesting Google to De-index the Article
   Google allows for the removal of content from search results if it violates their policies, such as containing outdated legal information or personal data. De-indexing hides the article from search results, even if it remains on the original site.
3. Suppress the Article with Positive Content
   Creating and promoting new, positive content can help push the negative article down in search rankings. This method requires consistent effort and ongoing content creation but can improve your online reputation over time.
4. Request Edits or Corrections
   If the article contains inaccurate or outdated information, you can request that the publisher make corrections. This could involve updating facts, correcting errors, or even anonymizing personal details, if possible.

I’ll examine and explain how we approach each option in more detail below. What option is best for you ultimately depends on the unique circumstances of your case. However, in most cases, the key to success lies in working with an experienced professional who contacts the news publications directly with a request to remove, update, or de-index the article at the source. This requires careful communication, strategic negotiation, persistence, and a compelling case for why the content should be addressed.

How Do I Request Removal of an Article From News Websites?

Without question, the fastest and most effective way to deal with a negative news article is to go straight to the source and request removal or modification. Over the years, my team and I have developed a proven process for submitting these requests and negotiating with news websites that give our clients the best chance possible for success.

Here are the key steps we follow:

1. Carefully review the website’s content removal policy and preferred contact methods. Look for any specific guidance or criteria they provide for article takedown requests.
2. Draft a concise, professional letter that clearly explains the issue with the article and the specific action you’re requesting (e.g., complete removal, correction of false statements, de-indexing). Stick to the facts and avoid making emotional appeals or empty legal threats. Here’s an example of an adaptable template you can use as a starting point:

Template

Subject: Request for Article Removal or Amendment – [Article Headline]

Dear [Website/Editor Name],

I am writing to request the removal of the article “[Headline]” published on [Date] at [URL]. This article contains false and defamatory information that is causing significant harm to my reputation.

Specifically, the article states that [X, Y, and Z]. However, this information is inaccurate and misleading based on [evidence/facts/explanation].

I kindly request that you either remove this article in its entirety or amend it to reflect the truth and prevent further damage. I am happy to provide additional information or discuss this matter further if needed.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this serious issue. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely, [Your Name] [Contact Information]

3. Gather and include evidence to support your claims if the article contains demonstrably false or defamatory information. This could include documents, witness statements, or links to reputable sources that contradict the article’s allegations.
4. Submit your request and allow 1-2 weeks for an initial response. If you don’t hear back, follow up politely. Getting a substantive reply often takes multiple attempts and months of persistence.
5. If the website refuses to comply or fails to respond after several professional attempts, it may be time to escalate the matter legally, or if this is not a viable option, turn to reputation management techniques. Additionally, circling back to news organizations years later that originally denied requests has worked in some instances.

At Minc Law, we’ve honed our approach to removal requests through extensive trial and error. We know what works and what doesn’t when it comes to getting results from news websites. In fact, we’ve successfully removed content from hundreds of publications, including major outlets.

The following is a small list of organizations we have successfully worked with in the past to help our clients remove online news content from (please note though, each client’s case and circumstance is unique, and past success in working with a certain organization is NOT a guarantee of future results):

• Chicago Tribune
• LA Times
• USAToday
• Barstool Sports
• ESPN
• New York Post
• Chicago Sun Times
• Sports Illustrated (SI.com)
• Atlanta Journal & Constitution Stars and Stripes
• WOIO
• Academic Sexual Misconduct Database
• Masslive.com
• Hearst Connecticut (a group of papers)
• WMC5 Action News
• Fox 13 Memphis
• The Plain Dealer, Cleveland.com
• WBBJ 7
• NBC 24
• WBOY
• WDTV
• Newspapers.com
• Press Reader

One key lesson I’ve learned is that you often only get one shot at making your case, so it’s crucial to present a comprehensive, compelling argument right out of the gate. Editors and legal teams are busy, and they won’t hesitate to brush off sloppy or unconvincing requests.

This is where working with an experienced attorney can make all the difference. We know how to package these requests to get attention and results. We also have the legal knowledge to spot potential defamation or editorial issues and the negotiation skills to find creative solutions when the other side digs in its heels.

Why Hiring a Content Removal Attorney Provides Your Best Chance of Success

I may be biased, but I firmly believe that partnering with a skilled professional, like attorneys at Minc Law, who focuses exclusively on this type of work daily, is the most effective way to drastically improve your chances of success when dealing with negative news articles. Here’s why:

1. We do this every single day. At Minc Law, we’ve been in the trenches for over a decade. We know the ins and outs of the content removal process and have built relationships with key decision-makers at major publications. This experience and familiarity allow us to work efficiently and effectively on behalf of our clients.
2. We know what buttons to push and people to contact. Through extensive trial and error, my team has developed a keen understanding of the arguments and approaches that are most likely to sway editors and legal teams. It’s different for every case. We know how to frame requests in a way that aligns with their interests and motivations.
3. We bring the gravitas. Requests from a respected law firm simply carry more weight than those from everyday individuals or lawyers who do not focus on this area of law. When we contact websites, they know we’re not just blowing smoke—we have the legal knowledge and resources to back up our demands. In many cases, we’ve dealt with the organization or person receiving the request previously.
4. We provide a buffer. For many of my clients, the process of contacting news outlets and arguing for removal is simply too emotionally daunting and draining. By hiring a legal professional, you can offload that burden in a confidential and privileged conversation that respects your privacy and let someone else fight the battle on your behalf while you focus on healing and moving forward.

BEWARE OF REPUTATION MANAGEMENT AND “PAY FOR REMOVAL” NEWS ARTICLE REMOVAL SERVICES

Of course, not all content removal services are created equal. I’ve seen some reputation management companies and even other law firms and attorneys make bold promises and charge exorbitant fees without delivering results. In particular, I caution against clients utilizing firms that offer “pay-for-delete” type arrangements.

I certainly understand the value and why these types of offers are enticing. However, if you value transparency and quality and are looking to maximize your chances of success, these types of service providers and arrangements do the exact opposite. This is because when companies or law firms offer these types of arrangements, they become incentivized to spend as little time and effort on your case as possible.

For example, they will rely heavily on templates that they will spend little to no effort customizing, they will not spend time collecting evidence and learning finer details about the nuances of your particular situation or case, they will not engage in any preliminary research regarding a news organization’s policies related to your request, and they will cut off their removal and follow-up efforts often after 30-60 days making a single inquiry request. This last point is a big one. In our experience, 50% of successful removal requests can take MONTHS and multiple emails, letters, and follow-up conversations.

If you are wondering how I know these things, it’s because I was a board member for a local regional newspaper, and I asked to evaluate and look at a handful of removal inquiries that they were sent. I will refrain from naming the companies and lawyers directly, but I can tell you that the work product was GARBAGE. And, in one unfortunate instance, the news organization was actually receptive to the request, and when we emailed the lawyer (twice) asking some basic follow-up questions for more information, THEY DIDN’T RESPOND. Likely for the reasons I mentioned earlier. What a nightmare scenario for that client!

Don’t make the same mistake. Instead, look to work with professionals who take a strategic, multi-faceted approach and are transparent about the process and potential outcomes. At Minc Law, we always start with an in-depth analysis of the situation and then develop a customized plan that may include a combination of removal requests, legal action, and suppression tactics. We also make sure our clients understand the inherent challenges and limitations of the process so they have realistic expectations from the outset.

What are Valid Reasons for Google to Remove an Article From Search Results?

Even if you can’t get a negative article removed from the source, you may be able to convince Google to remove it from its search results. This is known as “de-indexing,” and it can be a powerful way to minimize the visibility and impact of harmful content.

However, Google is pretty selective about the types of content it will de-index. In my experience, the most common scenarios where Google will agree to remove search results are:

• Copyright infringement: If the article contains content that violates your copyright (e.g., unauthorized use of your photos or plagiarized text), you can file a Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) takedown notice to request removal.
• Court-ordered removals: If you have obtained a court order requiring the removal of the article (e.g., as part of a defamation lawsuit), Google will typically comply and de-index the content.
• Explicit personal information: Google may remove content that contains confidential personal information, such as social security numbers, bank account numbers, or medical records.
• Non-consensual explicit content: If the article includes intimate images or videos that were shared without your consent, you can request removal through Google’s revenge porn policy.
• Dangerous or illegal content: Google may remove content that promotes illegal activities, violence, or self-harm.

If you believe your situation falls into one of these categories, you can submit a removal request through Google’s legal troubleshooter: https://support.google.com/legal/troubleshooter/1114905.

The process typically involves providing details about the specific URL you want removed, the reason for removal, and any relevant documentation (e.g., DMCA notice, court order). Google will review your request and make a decision based on its internal policies and legal obligations.

It’s worth noting that even if Google removes a page from its search results, the original content will still exist on the web—it just won’t show up in Google searches. That’s why, in most cases, I recommend starting with a direct removal request to the website before pursuing de-indexing.

Can Legal Action Help Remove News Articles From the Internet?

In some situations, legal action may be the most effective way to remove a negative news article. If the article contains false or defamatory statements that are causing demonstrable harm to your reputation, you may have grounds for a defamation lawsuit.

The goal of a defamation suit is typically to obtain a court order requiring the removal of the offending content and, in some cases, monetary damages for the harm caused. However, it’s important to understand that defamation cases can be complex, expensive, and time-consuming.

To prevail in a defamation claim, you generally need to prove the following elements:

• The article contains one or more false statements of fact (as opposed to opinions).
• The false statements are about you specifically.
• The statements were published or communicated to a third party (which, if they are online, is usually a given).
• The statements caused you actual harm (e.g., lost business, damaged relationships).
• If you are a public figure, you must also prove that the statements were made with “actual malice” (meaning the author knew they were false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth).

Gathering sufficient evidence to support each of these elements can be daunting, which is why it’s so important to work with an experienced defamation attorney. At Minc Law, we’ve successfully represented clients in hundreds of defamation cases, so we know how to build a strong case and navigate the legal system.

Invasion of Privacy

Another potential legal avenue is an invasion of privacy claim. This may apply if the news article contains private, sensitive information about you that serves no legitimate public interest. Classic examples include medical records, financial information, or intimate details about your personal life.

As with defamation, invasion of privacy claims can be challenging to prove and often hinge on the case’s specific facts, however, if successful, they can result in a court order mandating the removal of the offending content and potential monetary damages.

Regardless of the specific legal claim, weighing the potential costs and benefits of pursuing legal action is important. Lawsuits can be a powerful tool, but they also require a significant investment of time, money, and emotional energy. You’ll need to work closely with your attorney to gather evidence, draft legal documents, and potentially testify in court.

How Can I Suppress Negative Articles that Can’t Be Removed?

In some cases, removing a negative news article from the web may not be possible. Perhaps the website is unresponsive to removal requests, or the content doesn’t meet the criteria for legal action. In these situations, the best approach may be to suppress the article by pushing it down in search results and minimizing its visibility.

The goal of suppression is to fill the first page of your search results with positive, brand-controlled content that outshines the negative article. Over time, this can significantly reduce the article’s impact and help you regain control of your online reputation.

Some of the most effective suppression tactics we’ve used with our clients include:

• Creating and optimizing profiles on high-authority sites like LinkedIn, Twitter, and industry blogs. These profiles should showcase your expertise, accomplishments, and values, using strategic keywords to improve search rankings.
• Developing a strong content marketing strategy that includes regularly publishing informative blog posts, articles, and videos on your own website and other reputable platforms. The key is to create valuable, engaging content that naturally attracts links and social shares.
• Seeking out positive media coverage through press releases, guest posts, and interviews with journalists and influencers in your industry. This can help counteract the negative article and build a more well-rounded online presence.
• Encouraging satisfied customers or clients to leave reviews on popular platforms like Google, Yelp, and Facebook. Authentic, positive reviews can be incredibly powerful in shaping public perception and reducing negative content.
• Implementing a robust SEO strategy that includes link building, keyword optimization, and technical improvements to your website. This can help your positive content rank higher in search results and outcompete the negative article.

At Minc Law, we work closely with our clients to develop customized suppression strategies that align with their unique goals and challenges. We often utilize a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach. It’s worth noting that suppression is a long-term process that requires ongoing effort and monitoring. Depending on the strength of the negative article and the competitiveness of your target keywords, it may take several months to a year or more to see significant results permanently.

However, for many of my clients, the investment in our PR and suppression services is well worth it for the peace of mind and ROI from the reputational benefits it provides. By taking proactive steps to manage your online presence, you can gradually diminish the impact of negative articles and build a more resilient, positive reputation over time.

Let’s Take Control of Your Online Reputation Today – Nationwide Content Removal Lawyers

If you’re struggling with the impact of a negative news article, you’re not alone. The frustration, anxiety, and sense of powerlessness you feel are completely valid. But there is hope and a path forward. It might not be quick or easy, but the payoff is immense and worth it.

At Minc Law, we’ve witnessed our clients’ incredible resilience and determination as they overcome reputational challenges and rebuild their lives. We’ve seen the transformation that happens when individuals take control of their online presence and refuse to let others dictate their narrative.

If you’re ready to reclaim your online reputation, we’re here to help. Our experienced team will quickly assess your situation, develop a customized strategy, and work diligently to remove or suppress the unwanted content. You’ll receive personalized support and guidance every step of the way, ensuring a swift and effective resolution.
Remember, your reputation is one of your most valuable assets. Don’t let a negative news article or false accusation rob you of the opportunities and success you’ve worked so hard to achieve.

The power is in your hands. The time is now. Let’s get to work!