# R7 | z-ai/glm-5.2 | run 2

## Prompt

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

## Response

The GDPR 'right to erasure,' commonly known as the 'right to be forgotten,' gives individuals the legal right to have their personal data deleted by an organisation in certain circumstances. It is not an absolute right and is subject to several exemptions, particularly where processing is necessary for legal obligations, public interest, or freedom of expression.

## What the Right to Erasure Is

Under Article 17 of the GDPR, individuals can request that an organisation erase their personal data without undue delay [legislation.gov.uk](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2016/679/article/17?view=plain). The organisation is obliged to comply where one of several grounds applies, including:

- The personal data is no longer necessary for the purpose it was originally collected or processed [ico.org.uk](https://cy.ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/individual-rights/individual-rights/right-to-erasure/)
- The individual withdraws consent on which the processing was based, and there is no other legal ground for processing [legislation.gov.uk](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2016/679/article/17?view=plain)
- The individual objects to the processing and there are no overriding legitimate grounds [ico.org.uk](https://cy.ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/individual-rights/individual-rights/right-to-erasure/)
- The data has been processed unlawfully [ico.org.uk](https://cy.ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/individual-rights/individual-rights/right-to-erasure/)
- The data must be erased to comply with a legal obligation [legislation.gov.uk](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2016/679/article/17?view=plain)

The right is particularly relevant where consent was given as a child, reflecting enhanced protections for children's data, especially online [eur-lex.europa.eu](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/679/oj/eng/).

## Main Limitations and Exemptions

The right to erasure does not apply if the processing is necessary for specific reasons [ico.org.uk](https://cy.ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/individual-rights/individual-rights/right-to-erasure/):

- **Freedom of expression and information**: Processing necessary for exercising these rights is exempt [legislation.gov.uk](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2016/679/article/17?view=plain)
- **Legal obligation**: Where processing is required by law, the right does not apply [ico.org.uk](https://cy.ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/individual-rights/individual-rights/right-to-erasure/)
- **Public interest tasks**: Processing for tasks carried out in the public interest or official authority [legislation.gov.uk](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2016/679/article/17?view=plain)
- **Public health**: Processing necessary for public health purposes, such as protecting against serious cross-border health threats [ico.org.uk](https://cy.ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/individual-rights/individual-rights/right-to-erasure/)
- **Archiving, research, and statistics**: Where erasure would render impossible or seriously impair the achievement of the processing's objectives [legislation.gov.uk](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2016/679/article/17?view=plain)
- **Legal claims**: Processing necessary for the establishment, exercise, or defence of legal claims [legislation.gov.uk](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2016/679/article/17?view=plain)

## Practical Considerations

Organisations must respond to an erasure request without undue delay and within one month of receipt [ico.org.uk](https://cy.ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/individual-rights/individual-rights/right-to-erasure/). The right only applies to data held at the time the request is received, not to data that may be created in the future [ico.org.uk](https://cy.ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/individual-rights/individual-rights/right-to-erasure/).

An organisation can refuse a request if it is manifestly unfounded or excessive, assessing each case individually rather than applying a blanket policy [ico.org.uk](https://cy.ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/individual-rights/individual-rights/right-to-erasure/). If refusing, the organisation must inform the individual without undue delay and within one month, explaining the reasons [ico.org.uk](https://cy.ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/individual-rights/individual-rights/right-to-erasure/).

Would you like to know how the right to erasure specifically applies to search engine results or online content?
