# R7 | google/gemini-3.6-flash | run 1

## Prompt

Explain the GDPR 'right to erasure' (right to be forgotten): what it is and its main limitations. Cite official sources.

## Response

The "right to erasure," commonly referred to as the "right to be forgotten," is established under Article 17 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) [GDPR Article 17 Text](https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQFCixfbM_rWg1AupJ24EvwekTTx1zFZlfEH8j-fYkJr3FNbKm_JATnaKkm-U3Z76X2F1KOaUduajxh5bJmN3hi2Dn8tDjkBwvVVx4oVl4WQKylU1siAYbc1tW6wGQ==). It entitles individuals to request that an organization delete their personal data without undue delay [EU GDPR Guide](https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHQsl6uSwUnoYKYs10qVGB8Vv-unyuNwiS8YCtfwfCneXhQT4hElgLh9eq-qFk83F4rnGHr2rrYcOZOQrYLtCCt3jhinny2lhUms-AslRuQqO0vE6EOFoM79sTNsJiBqz6T). However, this is not an absolute right and applies only under specific legal criteria and subject to statutory exemptions [ICO Erasure Guidance](https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHeHwBYg8SqfG7N-Lgld9pRr0JNw_cKM_UC263vt5cdx4TBp3G_CoOtzJkQ5GhomREDlmo0jTY88fTDroij_LCygr57gZSkeEoyIQ2NEG0naCcfUcF8I-ixJA4Rhaq_8EP7U0CJoDUULnFwX02Jk_NhlzxV7nI8mJ5gYArIOcZClh6R8KJdqXyuYPcYSag-UNG6zt-wvGmAeFQH3e56306jIve5XqsvXO8uuKaRwxEQivmZCyg=).

## Scope and Legal Grounds

Under Article 17(1) of the GDPR, an individual (data subject) can request that a data controller erase personal data holding concerning them [GDPR Article 17 Text](https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQFCixfbM_rWg1AupJ24EvwekTTx1zFZlfEH8j-fYkJr3FNbKm_JATnaKkm-U3Z76X2F1KOaUduajxh5bJmN3hi2Dn8tDjkBwvVVx4oVl4WQKylU1siAYbc1tW6wGQ==). Controllers are generally required to respond within one month [ICO Erasure Guidance](https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHeHwBYg8SqfG7N-Lgld9pRr0JNw_cKM_UC263vt5cdx4TBp3G_CoOtzJkQ5GhomREDlmo0jTY88fTDroij_LCygr57gZSkeEoyIQ2NEG0naCcfUcF8I-ixJA4Rhaq_8EP7U0CJoDUULnFwX02Jk_NhlzxV7nI8mJ5gYArIOcZClh6R8KJdqXyuYPcYSag-UNG6zt-wvGmAeFQH3e56306jIve5XqsvXO8uuKaRwxEQivmZCyg=). If the controller made the data public, Article 17(2) requires them to take reasonable technical steps to inform other processors to erase links or copies of that data [GDPR Article 17 Text](https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQFCixfbM_rWg1AupJ24EvwekTTx1zFZlfEH8j-fYkJr3FNbKm_JATnaKkm-U3Z76X2F1KOaUduajxh5bJmN3hi2Dn8tDjkBwvVVx4oVl4WQKylU1siAYbc1tW6wGQ==).

The right to erasure applies if at least one of the following grounds is satisfied:

* **Purpose fulfillment:** The personal data is no longer necessary for the original collection or processing purpose [ICO Erasure Guidance](https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHeHwBYg8SqfG7N-Lgld9pRr0JNw_cKM_UC263vt5cdx4TBp3G_CoOtzJkQ5GhomREDlmo0jTY88fTDroij_LCygr57gZSkeEoyIQ2NEG0naCcfUcF8I-ixJA4Rhaq_8EP7U0CJoDUULnFwX02Jk_NhlzxV7nI8mJ5gYArIOcZClh6R8KJdqXyuYPcYSag-UNG6zt-wvGmAeFQH3e56306jIve5XqsvXO8uuKaRwxEQivmZCyg=).
* **Consent withdrawal:** Processing relied solely on individual consent, which has been withdrawn with no other legal ground available [EU GDPR Guide](https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHQsl6uSwUnoYKYs10qVGB8Vv-unyuNwiS8YCtfwfCneXhQT4hElgLh9eq-qFk83F4rnGHr2rrYcOZOQrYLtCCt3jhinny2lhUms-AslRuQqO0vE6EOFoM79sTNsJiBqz6T).
* **Objection to processing:** The individual objects to processing under Article 21, and there are no overriding legitimate interests for the controller [GDPR Hub Commentary](https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQFWi6bY78BIpTcC0kwuXm2jhq2RxQqjnTyJR2Ot8vz63rYMEHsZ0bm4_ghUmEGcTz347Yh38vWaAe9HKm6VwHxLzVSgUuBSu269X4iHmxMt-48xnnxeny4KFFiAgDE=).
* **Unlawful processing:** The personal data was collected or processed unlawfully [EU GDPR Guide](https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHQsl6uSwUnoYKYs10qVGB8Vv-unyuNwiS8YCtfwfCneXhQT4hElgLh9eq-qFk83F4rnGHr2rrYcOZOQrYLtCCt3jhinny2lhUms-AslRuQqO0vE6EOFoM79sTNsJiBqz6T).
* **Legal obligation:** Deletion is required to comply with EU or Member State legal obligations [GDPR Article 17 Text](https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQFCixfbM_rWg1AupJ24EvwekTTx1zFZlfEH8j-fYkJr3FNbKm_JATnaKkm-U3Z76X2F1KOaUduajxh5bJmN3hi2Dn8tDjkBwvVVx4oVl4WQKylU1siAYbc1tW6wGQ==).
* **Child data protection:** Data was gathered in relation to offering information society services directly to a child [ICO Erasure Guidance](https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHRTAQ4qDhUWx2-L3t_74-8wCMClNE8ds0nmAuXacs5PjD0i_dJL-wHrXjhN674YGnwPDyPoBqBLjLzLt6wyvRS6eS8isVioOYISpa_NCudUyk6xLxkr-OBR90jj2itbM7w8C9QrfD6WyU1MpIO3XtUoT6398YqoEKXKO_YWb3mfZM=).

## Key Exemptions and Limitations

Organizations may refuse a deletion request if the processing is necessary under Article 17(3) statutory exemptions [GDPR Article 17 Text](https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQFCixfbM_rWg1AupJ24EvwekTTx1zFZlfEH8j-fYkJr3FNbKm_JATnaKkm-U3Z76X2F1KOaUduajxh5bJmN3hi2Dn8tDjkBwvVVx4oVl4WQKylU1siAYbc1tW6wGQ==).

| Exemption Ground | Description |
| :--- | :--- |
| **Freedom of Expression** | Exercising constitutional rights to freedom of expression and information (such as news reporting and public commentary) [GDPR Hub Commentary](https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQFWi6bY78BIpTcC0kwuXm2jhq2RxQqjnTyJR2Ot8vz63rYMEHsZ0bm4_ghUmEGcTz347Yh38vWaAe9HKm6VwHxLzVSgUuBSu269X4iHmxMt-48xnnxeny4KFFiAgDE=). |
| **Legal Obligations** | Complying with statutory data retention requirements, such as tax, financial compliance, or employment laws [ICO Erasure Guidance](https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHeHwBYg8SqfG7N-Lgld9pRr0JNw_cKM_UC263vt5cdx4TBp3G_CoOtzJkQ5GhomREDlmo0jTY88fTDroij_LCygr57gZSkeEoyIQ2NEG0naCcfUcF8I-ixJA4Rhaq_8EP7U0CJoDUULnFwX02Jk_NhlzxV7nI8mJ5gYArIOcZClh6R8KJdqXyuYPcYSag-UNG6zt-wvGmAeFQH3e56306jIve5XqsvXO8uuKaRwxEQivmZCyg=). |
| **Public Interest & Health** | Carrying out tasks in the public interest, exercising official authority, or protecting public health [GDPR Article 17 Text](https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQFCixfbM_rWg1AupJ24EvwekTTx1zFZlfEH8j-fYkJr3FNbKm_JATnaKkm-U3Z76X2F1KOaUduajxh5bJmN3hi2Dn8tDjkBwvVVx4oVl4WQKylU1siAYbc1tW6wGQ==). |
| **Research & Archiving** | Archiving in the public interest, scientific, historical research, or statistical tasks where erasure impairs objectives [GDPR Article 17 Text](https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQFCixfbM_rWg1AupJ24EvwekTTx1zFZlfEH8j-fYkJr3FNbKm_JATnaKkm-U3Z76X2F1KOaUdu
