What is the 'right to erasure' also known as?

The 'right to erasure' is commonly referred to as the 'right to be forgotten.' This concept is established under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and provides individuals with the ability to request the deletion of their personal data when certain conditions are met. These conditions include instances where the data is no longer necessary for the purposes for which it was collected, if the individual withdraws consent, or if the data has been unlawfully processed, among others.

The terminology emphasizes the individual's control over personal information and their right to reclaim privacy. This right is particularly significant in the context of online data, where information can persist long after it is no longer relevant or desired by the individual. The 'right to be forgotten' aims to empower individuals by allowing them to make choices about their own digital footprints and to enhance their privacy.