Q: How to remove old comments from Blogger showing full name?
I left two comments on a now-abandoned blog hosted by Blogger when I was a minor. These comments, which show my full name, appear in Google search results and affect my personal and professional life. I have contacted Google and Blogger, but they require a court order to remove them, and attempts to contact the blog owner have failed. I've also involved the BBB without success.
Considering my age at the time, the impact on my mental health, and the identifiable nature of the information, what legal steps can I take to have these comments removed, especially since hiring a lawyer isn’t financially feasible for me right now?
A: You may have more rights depending on where you live. If you live in California, the UK, or the European Union, you can request removal of your personal information. Additionally, even if you live elsewhere, if you were under 13 at the time then you may be able to get the content removed under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), arguing that Blogger collected your personal information unlawfully. I hope this helps but please be in touch if you need more personalised assistance.
A:
Your situation with those old Blogger comments is frustrating, especially since you were a minor when posting them. Since Google requires a court order, you might consider reaching out to free legal aid services in your area or contacting law school legal clinics, which often provide pro bono assistance for cases like yours. You could also file a complaint with your state's attorney general office, as they sometimes intervene in digital privacy matters involving minors.
Consider utilizing Google's "Remove outdated content" tool, which occasionally works for removing search results even when the original content remains. Another option is preparing a simple court filing yourself (pro se) requesting removal based on the fact you were a minor - many courts have self-help centers that provide guidance for these situations. Some states have enacted digital privacy laws specifically protecting content posted by minors, which could strengthen your case.
If these approaches don't work, try documenting how these comments negatively impact your mental health and career, as this evidence could support your request for removal. Remember that persistence often pays off in these situations - keep detailed records of all your communication attempts with Google, Blogger, and anyone else involved. Your determination to protect your privacy rights is completely valid, especially for content posted during your youth.
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