What is the significance of the "right to be forgotten" under GDPR?

The "right to be forgotten," as outlined in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), is a significant principle that empowers individuals to request the deletion of their personal data under specific conditions. This right is crucial for enhancing individual privacy and autonomy, allowing people to have more control over their personal information.

For instance, an individual might request deletion of their data if it is no longer necessary for the purposes for which it was collected, if they withdraw their consent, or if they believe their data has been unlawfully processed. The right is intended to enable individuals to seek the removal of their information from databases and records, thereby mitigating risks associated with data breaches and misuse of personal data.

This provision underscores the balance between the need to retain certain data for legitimate business interests and the individual’s right to privacy. By empowering individuals with this right, GDPR promotes accountability and transparency in how organizations handle personal data, fostering trust in data processing activities.