Analysis of the Right to Be Forgotten on Social Media Platforms: Facebook and Twitter
- YourLawArticle
- Jun 3
- 1 min read
Written by: Meghana Laxman Hadawale, L.L.M, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University, Panvel, Navi Mumbai
&
Dr Piyush Maheshwari, Associate Professor, Department of Law, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University, Panvel, Navi Mumbai
Abstract
The Right to Be Forgotten (RTBF) has emerged as a crucial legal and ethical principle in the age of digital permanence, offering individuals the right to request the erasure of personal data that is outdated, irrelevant, or damaging. This paper critically analyses the application of RTBF on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, where content dissemination is rapid, decentralized, and global. It examines the conceptual evolution of RTBF, anchored in the landmark Google Spain case and codified under Article 17 of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), while exploring its developing status in India under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. The paper further explores challenges posed by AI generated deepfakes, immutable blockchain systems, and the absence of global legal harmonization. Through case studies, comparative analysis, and platform-specific practices, the study highlights the balance required between individual privacy and freedom of expression. It concludes with practical recommendations for legislators, platforms, and users, emphasizing the need for technological innovation and international cooperation to make RTBF effective in the evolving digital ecosystem.
Keywords: Right to Be Forgotten, Digital Privacy, Social Media, GDPR, Deepfakes
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