How to Remove a News Article from Google Search and the Internet

Negative news articles are not just temporary problems. Once they appear online, they can follow you for years, showing up in Google search results long after the events themselves are resolved.

Even if charges were dropped, the facts were misrepresented, or your situation improved, damaging news coverage often stays online indefinitely. And because Google’s algorithm trusts news websites, these articles tend to rank highly and be extremely difficult to remove without the right strategy.

If you’re struggling with negative news articles or police blotter information appearing in your Google search results, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common concerns we hear from clients across the country.

While conventional wisdom suggests that factually accurate news articles cannot be removed from the internet, our experience at Minc Law proves otherwise.

We’ve helped hundreds of clients remove, de-index, or suppress negative news articles and arrest records from search engines and the broader internet.

We understand how search algorithms prioritize content, how newsrooms approach removal requests, and when legal action may be appropriate to force a takedown.

In this guide, we explain:

• Why negative news articles rank so highly in search results
• How long damaging content tends to remain online
• When and how to remove content directly from a publisher
• When legal action or formal de-indexing requests can work
• How suppression strategies can protect your reputation if removal is not possible

If you are dealing with a harmful article online, the sooner you act, the better your chances. Here is what you need to know.

Why Do News Articles Tend to Rank High in Google Search Results?

Negative news articles often dominate your search results due to several factors in Google’s algorithm. News websites have inherent authority that Google trusts, while most personal names lack competing content, allowing even a single negative article to become highly visible.

Additionally, negative stories generate more engagement through clicks and shares, signaling their importance to search engines. Without positive content to counterbalance them, these damaging articles remain prominently displayed for years.

How Long Do News Articles Stay Online?

News articles typically remain online indefinitely, creating a permanent digital record of past events. Publisher archiving policies rarely include complete deletion, with most outlets preserving content for historical purposes, especially for stories involving public records or significant events.

High-traffic articles that generate revenue are particularly likely to remain accessible, and when hosted on established news platforms rather than third-party sites, this content becomes extremely stable over time, potentially affecting your reputation for years after the original events have been resolved.

Can I Sue a News Publication for Defamation, Libel or Slander?

In most cases, no. When a news article contained factually accurate information at the time of publication, defamation claims are generally not viable legal options. These claims specifically require proving that published content was false, so if your arrest or charge was accurately reported, even if your situation has since changed, traditional defamation law offers little recourse.

In cases where the article contains false statements, invades privacy rights, or involves outdated or expunged information, legal action may be an option. Court orders compelling removal or de-indexing can sometimes be obtained through defamation lawsuits, privacy claims, or expungement proceedings.

How to Remove a News Article From Google Search and the Internet

The single most effective way to remove a news article from Google and the internet is to contact the publisher directly and request they take it down. This process, known as “unpublishing,” involves reaching out to the news agency or author to explain why the article should be removed. If the publisher agrees, the article can be taken down, removing it from both the website and Google search results.

Most news organizations lack formal policies for unpublishing content, creating an opportunity for skilled advocacy. Our attorneys know how to research whether removal is possible in your specific case, identify the actual decision-makers with authority to approve removals, and present compelling arguments that align with editorial considerations.

Beyond complete removal, other alternative solutions can be negociated including:

• Anonymous editing to remove your identifying information
• Implementation of technical solutions like “noindex” tags that prevent Google from displaying the article
• Strategic corrections or updates that minimize reputational harm

News organizations typically evaluate these requests based on several key factors:

• Your specific reasons for requesting removal
• Whether you were ultimately convicted of any charges mentioned
• Expungement status of related criminal records
• The age of the article (older content may be easier to address)
• Whether you were a minor when the article was published
• Any factual inaccuracies, however minor
• The current impact on your life, career, and well-being

We’ve successfully secured hundreds of removals in cases where individuals had previously been rejected when attempting requests on their own. Our experience allows us to craft persuasive arguments that address publishers’ concerns while emphasizing the legitimate reasons for reconsidering the continued publication of damaging content.

Video Resource: How to Remove News Articles From Google Search and the Internet

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What Websites Have We Worked With?

The following is a small list of organizations we have worked with (please note though, each client’s case and circumstance is unique, and past work with a certain organization is NOT a guarantee of future results):

• ABC News
• Academic Sexual Misconduct Database
• Aabaco Small Business
• Atlanta Journal & Constitution
• Atlanta Magazine
• Bar Journal of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
• Barstool Sports
• Breitbart
• Cheddar
• Chicago Sun Times
• Chicago Tribune
• Cision PRWeb
• Cleveland 19 News
• Cleveland Jewish News
• Cleveland Scene
• Cosmopolitan.com
• Crain’s Cleveland Business
• DailyDot
• DailyMail
• Denver Post
• Entertainment Weekly
• ENTtoday
• ESPN
• ET Online
• Examiner.com
• FOX News
• France 24
• Hearst Connecticut
• Hastings Law Journal
• HotAir.com
• ICIC.org
• IgniteVisibility.com
• Investopedia.com
• JOE
• Law360
• Masslive.com
• NBC 24
• New York Daily News
• New York Post
• Oxygen
• Patch
• People
• Press Reader
• Prague Post
• Salon.com
• SearchEngineJournal.com
• SearchEngineWatch.com
• South Carolina Lawyers Weekly
• Sports Illustrated (SI.com)
• Stars and Stripes
• Super Lawyers
• Tech Company News
• The Daily Mail
• The Guardian
• The Hollywood Reporter
• The Huffington Post
• The Plain Dealer / Cleveland.com
• The Washington Post
• The Washington Times
• Time
• True North Reports
• USAToday
• VICE
• Vermont Law Review
• Vulture Magazine
• WBBOY
• WBBJ 7
• WDTV
• WMC5 Action News
• WOIO
• Yale Law Journal

One key lesson we’ve learned is that you often only get one shot at making your case, so it’s crucial to present a comprehensive, compelling argument right out of the gate. Editors and legal teams are busy, and they won’t hesitate to brush off sloppy or unconvincing requests.

This is where working with an experienced attorney can make all the difference. We know how to package these requests to get attention and results. We also have the legal knowledge to spot potential defamation or editorial issues and the negotiation skills to find creative solutions when the other side digs in its heels.

Why Hiring a Content Removal Attorney Provides Your Best Chance of Success

Partnering with skilled professionals, like the attorneys at Minc Law, who focuses exclusively on this type of work daily, is the most effective way to drastically improve your chances of success when dealing with negative news articles. Here’s why:

We do this every single day. At Minc Law, we’ve been in the trenches for over a decade. We are familiar with the intricacies of the content removal process and have established relationships with key decision-makers at major publications. This experience and familiarity allow us to work efficiently and effectively on behalf of our clients.

We know what buttons to push and people to contact. Through extensive trial and error, our team has developed a keen understanding of the arguments and approaches that are most likely to sway editors and legal teams. It’s different for every case. We know how to frame requests in a way that aligns with their interests and motivations.

We bring the gravitas. Requests from a respected law firm simply carry more weight than those from everyday individuals or lawyers who do not focus on this area of law. When we contact websites, they know we’re not just blowing smoke—we have the legal knowledge and resources to back up our demands. In many cases, we’ve dealt with the organization or person receiving the request previously.

We provide a buffer. For many of our clients, the process of contacting news outlets and arguing for removal is simply too emotionally daunting and draining. By hiring a legal professional, you can offload that burden in a confidential and privileged conversation that respects your privacy and let someone else fight the battle on your behalf while you focus on healing and moving forward.

What to Look for in a Content Removal Attorney

Choosing the right attorney for content removal can make the difference between success and failure when trying to remove negative news articles from the internet. The stakes are high—your reputation, career opportunities, and peace of mind all hang in the balance. Here are the critical factors to consider when selecting a content removal attorney who will effectively advocate for your interests:

Experience and Specialization Matter

Look for attorneys who specialize specifically in internet law and content removal—not general practitioners who occasionally handle these cases. At Minc Law, content removal is our core focus, not a side service. Ask potential attorneys:

• How many content removal cases have they handled in the past year?
• What is their success rate with publications similar to the ones hosting your negative content?
• Can they provide anonymized case studies or examples of successful removals?

Transparency About Process and Outcomes

Quality attorneys will be upfront about what’s possible in your specific situation. Be wary of those who guarantee results without thoroughly analyzing your case. A reputable firm will:

• Provide a realistic assessment of your chances for removal
• Explain their specific strategy for your situation
• Outline potential challenges and alternative approaches
• Offer clear timelines and communication expectations

Free Structure

Not all content removal services deliver equal results. When selecting an attorney to help with your online content removal, it’s crucial to understand the different fee structures and what they reveal about a firm’s approach and commitment to your case.

Beware of “pay-for-removal” or contingency-based services that only charge if they succeed. While this might initially seem appealing, these arrangements create problematic incentives. Attorneys working on contingency are motivated to spend minimal time on each case, using generic templates rather than customized approaches. They typically make a single removal attempt before abandoning efforts if not immediately successful.

These services often fail to:

• Thoroughly research a publication’s specific removal policies
• Collect comprehensive evidence supporting your unique situation
• Customize persuasive arguments for each specific publisher
• Follow up persistently when initial requests are ignored
• Respond promptly when publishers request additional information

We’ve seen the devastating consequences firsthand. While serving on a regional newspaper board, an attorney at our firm reviewed removal requests from these “pay-for-removal” services. The quality was shockingly poor. In one particularly troubling case, the newspaper was actually willing to remove the article and emailed the attorney twice for additional information—but they never responded, leaving their client’s harmful content online indefinitely.

Hourly fee structures, while requiring more initial investment, ensure your attorney is incentivized to be thorough and persistent. Our experience shows that approximately 50% of successful removals require months of follow-up and multiple conversations—work that contingency firms simply won’t perform. By investing in proper representation, you dramatically increase your chances of successful content removal and lasting reputation recovery.

Will Google De-Index a Negative News Article About Me?

Google maintains strict policies about removing content from search results, balancing public information access with individual privacy concerns. De-indexing (removing a page from search results while leaving it on the original website) is granted only in limited circumstances. These include legal obligations like court orders, copyright violations requiring DMCA notices, exposure of sensitive personal information (SSNs, financial data), non-consensual intimate images, and content promoting illegal activities. Google strongly prefers content removal at the source and will only consider de-indexing requests that are thoroughly documented and clearly demonstrate violations of their specific guidelines.

Can I Bury or Suppress the Negative Content In Search Results?

In some cases, completely removing a negative news article from the web may not be possible. Perhaps the website is unresponsive to removal requests, or the content doesn’t meet the criteria for legal action. In these situations, the best approach may be to suppress the article by pushing it down in search results and minimizing its visibility.

The goal of suppression is to fill the first page of your search results with positive, brand-controlled content that outshines the negative article. Over time, this can significantly reduce the article’s impact and help you regain control of your online reputation.

Some of the most effective suppression tactics we’ve used with our clients include:

• Creating and optimizing profiles on high-authority sites like LinkedIn, Twitter, and industry blogs. These profiles should showcase your expertise, accomplishments, and values, using strategic keywords to improve search rankings.
• Developing a strong content marketing strategy that includes regularly publishing informative blog posts, articles, and videos on your own website and other reputable platforms. The key is to create valuable, engaging content that naturally attracts links and social shares.
• Seeking out positive media coverage through press releases, guest posts, and interviews with journalists and influencers in your industry. This can help counteract the negative article and build a more well-rounded online presence.
• Encouraging satisfied customers or clients to leave reviews on popular platforms like Google, Yelp, and Facebook. Authentic, positive reviews can be incredibly powerful in shaping public perception and reducing negative content.
• Implementing a robust SEO strategy that includes link building, keyword optimization, and technical improvements to your website. This can help your positive content rank higher in search results and outcompete the negative article.

At Minc Law, we work closely with our clients to develop customized suppression strategies that align with their unique goals and challenges. We often utilize a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach. It’s worth noting that suppression is a long-term process that requires ongoing effort and monitoring. Depending on the strength of the negative article and the competitiveness of your target keywords, it may take several months to a year or more to see significant results permanently.

However, for many of our clients, the investment in our PR and suppression services is well worth it for the peace of mind and ROI from the reputational benefits it provides. By taking proactive steps to manage your online presence, you can gradually diminish the impact of negative articles and build a more resilient, positive reputation over time.

Let’s Take Control of Your Online Reputation Today – Nationwide Content Removal Lawyers

If you’re struggling with the impact of a negative news article, you’re not alone. The frustration, anxiety, and sense of powerlessness you feel are completely valid. But there is hope and a path forward. It might not be quick or easy, but the payoff is immense and worth it.

At Minc Law, we’ve witnessed our clients’ incredible resilience and determination as they overcome reputational challenges and rebuild their lives. We’ve seen the transformation that happens when individuals take control of their online presence and refuse to let others dictate their narrative.

If you’re ready to reclaim your online reputation, we’re here to help. Our experienced team will quickly assess your situation, develop a customized strategy, and work diligently to remove or suppress the unwanted content. You’ll receive personalized support and guidance every step of the way, ensuring a swift and effective resolution.

Remember, your reputation is one of your most valuable assets. Don’t let a negative news article or false accusation rob you of the opportunities and success you’ve worked so hard to achieve.