How to Remove Outdated Pictures of Yourself from Google Images

Discover the process of removing outdated or unwanted images of yourself from Google Images. Learn about your rights and the steps to follow, both within and beyond the EU, to ensure your privacy is upheld.

Understanding Google Images and Its Policies

Google Images is a powerful yet simple image search engine, very similar to a text-based search engine in its operation. However, unlike its parent search engine, Google Images does not store images itself. Instead, it uses thumbnails of images that are saved on other websites, providing links back to the original sources where the images can be found. This means that Google itself does not have direct control over the images or the processes surrounding them.

The Process of Removing Images from Google Images

The first step in removing any image, including those of yourself, from Google Images is to remove them from the originating source. This is the most effective way to ensure that the image is taken down completely. If the image still appears after it has been removed from the source, there are additional steps you can take. For those in the EU, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) gives you the right to have your information, including images, removed from Google's search results.

Using Your Right to Be Forgotten (RTBF)

The Right to Be Forgotten (RTBF) is a legal concept within GDPR that grants individuals the right to obtain from the controller (in this case, Google) the erasure of personal data and to have it hindered without undue delay and therefore forgotten. This right can be exercised for various reasons, such as to rectify inaccurate data or to prevent further dissemination of harmful or outdated information.

Steps to Remove Images from Google Images

Remove the Image from the Source: Start by removing the image from the original or hosting website. This will ensure that Google Images will not continue to display the image in their search results. Contact Google: If the image is still appearing, you can submit a request to Google to have it removed. They have a specific process for handling such requests, and you should provide them with all necessary details, such as the URL of the image and the reason for the request. Use Right to Be Forgotten (RTBF) in EU: If you are within the EU and believe the image is outdated or inaccurate, you can use your right to be forgotten to have Google remove the image from their search results. This process involves contacting Google and providing them with the necessary documentation to support your request.

Factors Affecting Removal Time

It is important to understand that Google Images does not update itself as regularly as Google Search, which can take days to weeks for an image to disappear from search results. The speed of removal depends on the frequency with which the websites containing the original images are crawled by Google. News sites, for example, are crawled frequently, while lower quality or lesser-known sites might take over a week for old posts to be scanned.

Additional Tips for Ensuring Image Removal

Submit a DMCA takedown notice: If the image is copyrighted and you are sure the use of it is infringing on your rights, you can file a Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) takedown notice with the website hosting the image. Monitor and manage your online presence: Regularly check and manage your online presence. This includes not only Google Images but also other image search engines and social media platforms. Request manual review: Sometimes submitting your request directly to Google's support team might expedite the process. They have a dedicated team that reviews removal requests more quickly.

In conclusion, removing outdated pictures from Google Images involves a combination of removing the image from the source, using your legal rights, and managing your online presence. By following these steps, you can effectively manage and protect your online image presence, ensuring your privacy and reputation are maintained.