Right to be forgotten Meaning 2022

Right to be forgotten meaning, upsc, Essay pros and cons, why is the right to be forgotten important

We are aware of our six fundamental rights that are explicitly mentioned in the constitution. But the notion of the ‘ right to be forgotten’ certainly leaves us puzzled. It is something new to India. Recently, we have been through news mentioning the ‘ right to be forgotten’. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has pronounced it as a part of the right to privacy. So, let us go through the article to comprehend the concept of the ‘ right to be forgotten’ and how it is going to be functional in India.

What is the ‘ right to be forgotten’?

The ‘ right to be forgotten’ is a notion which states that a person can seek to get online posts removed or deleted that include their embarrassing picture, news, or video. This is an international legal concept, which is yet to be evolved in India. It simply helps a person in deletion of their private information from the internet.

Recently, the center has said to Delhi High Court that the Personal Data Protection Bill 2019 covers the provision related to the notion of ‘ right to be forgotten’.

Position of ‘ right to be forgotten’ in India

In the judgment of K S Puttaswamy, 2017 right to privacy was recognized as a fundamental right. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has touted the’ right to be forgotten’ as a part of the right to privacy. However, the notion of ‘ right to be forgotten’ is yet to be fully prevalent in the country. India is not having any statutory backing on the respective issue, but the concept is gradually getting under the glare. 

Countries having ‘ right to be forgotten’ related laws

• EU’s General Data Protection Regulation in article 17 ensures the right to erase certain categories of personal data.
• Countries like Turkey and Siberia have recognized this right to some extent.
• Russia in 2015 formulated a law pertaining to some provisions of ‘ right to be forgotten’.

Fundamental Rights in India

Presently, part iii of the constitution guarantees six fundamental rights to its citizens. Let us take a look at these rights.

• The right to equality
• The right to freedom
• The right against exploitation
• The right to freedom of religion
• Cultural and educational rights
• Right to constitutional remedies