Chapter 3 · Rights of the Data Subject

Article 17Right to erasure ('right to be forgotten')

All 99 Articles Chapter 3: Rights of the Data Subject

In defined circumstances — data no longer needed, consent withdrawn, unlawful processing — people can have their data deleted. It is not absolute, and must be balanced against other interests such as free expression.

Key points

  • Triggers include withdrawn consent and data no longer necessary.
  • Exceptions exist for legal obligations, public interest and free expression.
Read the official text on EUR-Lex

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These summaries are a plain-English orientation only and are not a substitute for the official text of the Regulation or for legal advice.

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