ARTICLES / REPUTATION · NEWS

Negative news and defamation: correction, removal and delisting

An unfavorable news story is not automatically defamatory. A responsible path starts with the published facts, sources, later developments and the public-interest context.

Negative does not mean false

A report may damage reputation while still presenting true facts, attributed opinions or matters of public interest. Before requesting removal, identify the exact sentence, the alleged fact, the source used and what is incorrect or outdated. General requests to “erase negative news” tend to ignore freedom of information and expression.

Calumny, defamation and insult under Brazilian law

Brazil’s Criminal Code describes calumny as falsely accusing someone of a criminal act, defamation as attributing a fact that harms reputation, and insult as offending dignity or decorum. Classification depends on content and circumstances. This article is informational and does not replace individual legal advice.

Correction, right of reply and removal

When there is an objective error, later document or outcome not reflected, a correction or update request may be more proportionate. In other cases, a legal professional may assess a right of reply, court relief or other measures. Erasly organizes URLs, captures and timelines and carries out digital requests within the agreed scope.

Google and the source page are separate decisions

The search engine is not the author of the story and does not erase the source website. Delisting requests based on policy or law have their own criteria and may consider public interest. Even when a result is removed for certain queries, the article may remain accessible at its direct address.

Frequently asked questions

Can every old news story be removed?

No. The passage of time may be relevant, but truthfulness, updates, relevance and public interest also matter.

Does Erasly decide whether criminal defamation occurred?

No. Erasly organizes the digital assessment; a legal conclusion belongs to a qualified professional and, when necessary, the competent authorities.

Can a correction be better than removal?

Yes. When there is an error or a relevant later development, updating the story may correct the record without deleting legitimate information.

References and editorial criteria

Sources containing reports record user experiences and are not a court decision or independent proof. Official sources explain policies and channels, which may change. Content reviewed on September 26, 2026.

Brazilian Presidency: Criminal Code, Articles 138–140 ↗Google: Search content policies ↗

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