""As a result of a request made under European data protection laws, Google can no longer show one or more of your site's pages in Google Search results," the automated notice sent to IrpiMedia on Thursday said. The email did not explain who the plaintiff was, nor did it mention the query which won't show the article in the list of results. It did mention the article, though."
"Ironically, it was an investigation about Eliminalia, a reputation management company that has allegedly filed bogus GDPR complaints on behalf of its clients in order to beautify a Google search about them. The investigation is based on thousands of leaked files that were obtained by French non-profit Forbidden Stories and shared with OCCRP and other partners. It explains how - aside from spurious and sometimes fraudulent legal complaints - Eliminalia has used an array of underhanded tactics to stifle criticism of its clients,"
"Among its 1,400 clients that have used the company to "clean up" their reputations, IrpiMedia found dozens that have been suspected or convicted of everything from drug trafficking to fraud. Sanchez is the founder of Eliminalia, a company described by OCCRP and IrpiMedia as a reputation laundromat for criminals. Spanish investigators suspect Eliminalia's hidden owner is Jose Maria Hill Prados, a notary convicted of sexually abusing Sanchez as a minor."
Google sent IrpiMedia an automated notice saying a GDPR request removed one or more of the site's pages from Google Search results, without naming the plaintiff or query but referring to the specific page. The affected web page focused on Eliminalia, which allegedly filed bogus GDPR complaints to improve Google search results for clients. Thousands of leaked files obtained by French non-profit Forbidden Stories and shared with OCCRP and partners underpin the probe. The files show Eliminalia used spurious legal complaints and other tactics including intimidating journalists and producing fake news. Among roughly 1,400 clients were individuals suspected or convicted of crimes.
Read at OCCRP
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