Google sets up ‘right to be forgotten’ form after EU ruling
The EU proposal, and Google’s response in setting up a “right to be forgotten” form, are fraught with difficulties and will be impossible to implement, according to the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
Dr Mike Short from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), said: “Web technology continues to innovate and change. While some companies like Google do host data, the majority of search engine results point users to other servers – many of which will not reside in the EU, which means it will be extremely difficult to track down who owns the data hosting service.
“Furthermore, some services rely on cumulative data in areas such as education and healthcare, or will these records be exempted from the right to be forgotten?
“While the Institution of Engineering and Technology recognises the rights of owners’ data to be forgotten where legally permissible, in practice such a process could prove costly, complex and bound up with risks that may end in lengthy legal disputes.
“Furthermore, it signals the end of a ‘worldwide’ web when different approaches are being taken to privacy in North America and Europe.”
Notes to editors:
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§ For more information, visit www.theiet.org
