How to Get Rid of News Articles on Google
In today’s digital age, information is at our fingertips, but sometimes, certain news articles can resurface and cause distress or unwanted attention. Whether it’s a personal matter or a sensitive issue, getting rid of news articles on Google can be a challenging task. However, with the right approach and tools, it is possible to remove unwanted content from Google search results. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get rid of news articles on Google.
1. Contact the Website Host
The first step in removing a news article from Google is to contact the website where the article was published. Reach out to the website’s administrator or support team and explain the situation. Request that they remove the article from their website. Once the article is removed, Google will automatically update its search results and the article will no longer appear.
2. Use Google’s Removal Tool
If the website host is unresponsive or unwilling to remove the article, you can use Google’s removal tool. This tool allows you to request the removal of specific content from Google search results. To use this tool, follow these steps:
1. Go to Google’s removal tool page: https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/136065?hl=en
2. Sign in with your Google account.
3. Enter the URL of the article you want to remove.
4. Select the reason for removal from the dropdown menu (e.g., legal reasons, personal privacy).
5. Fill out the captcha and submit your request.
Google will review your request and, if approved, remove the article from search results within a few days.
3. File a Legal Removal Request
If the article contains defamatory or infringing content, you can file a legal removal request. This process involves proving that the article violates your rights, such as copyright or privacy. To file a legal removal request, follow these steps:
1. Contact a lawyer to understand your legal rights and gather evidence.
2. Obtain a court order or a cease and desist letter from the court or the relevant authority.
3. Go to Google’s legal removal request page: https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/136065?hl=en
4. Sign in with your Google account.
5. Follow the instructions to upload the court order or cease and desist letter.
6. Fill out the captcha and submit your request.
Google will review your legal removal request and, if approved, remove the article from search results.
4. Monitor Your Search Results
After taking the necessary steps to remove the news article, it’s essential to monitor your search results. Keep an eye on Google’s search engine results page (SERP) to ensure that the article has been removed. If the article reappears, repeat the process or seek legal advice to address the issue.
In conclusion, getting rid of news articles on Google can be a challenging task, but it is possible with the right approach. By contacting the website host, using Google’s removal tool, filing a legal removal request, and monitoring your search results, you can effectively remove unwanted content from Google. Remember, patience and persistence are key in this process.
