Can You Remove a Negative News Article From Google?
So there it is. Your name, your business, or your past—front and center in a Google News search. Maybe it’s from years ago. Maybe it’s misleading or full of half-truths. But it’s there. And it’s not helping.
If you’re wondering whether you can remove a negative news article from Google, you’re not alone. This guide breaks it down, step by step. We’ll show you what’s possible, what’s not, and what you can do next.
Why Do News Articles Stay Online So Long?
News sites have authority. Google trusts them, which is why even a local article from 2014 can still rank high. It doesn’t matter if the article is old or if you’ve changed since then. Once it’s indexed, it sticks.
In a study by Pew Research Center, 86% of U.S. adults said they occasionally get news from a smartphone. And guess what pops up first? Headlines. Not context.
A former startup founder told us, “My company closed years ago. We refunded everyone. But one negative article from a business blog still shows up every time I’m Googled. It’s cost me at least two job interviews.”
That’s not rare. That’s normal.
Can You Just Ask Google to Remove It?
Not really.
Google doesn’t control the news article. It just indexes what’s already public on the web. That means Google won’t remove it unless the content clearly violates its policies.
So what does Google take action on?
- Legal removal requests (like court orders)
- Private personal info like home addresses or financial details
- Copyright violations
- Non-consensual explicit content
In short, if the article is accurate and legal, Google usually won’t remove it. But don’t give up yet.
There are still ways to reduce its impact. And in some cases, you can remove it from view.
Step 1: Talk to the Publisher
The most direct option? Ask the publisher to take the article down.
It doesn’t always work. But it’s worth trying if:
- The article contains outdated or false info
- You were found not guilty or the charges were dropped
- You’re under 18 and named without reason
- The article exposes personal info or puts you at risk
When you reach out, keep it short and respectful. Provide supporting evidence, like updated records or court documents. Don’t argue. Don’t threaten. Just ask.
Sometimes they’ll remove or update the article quietly. Sometimes they’ll ignore you. It’s a coin toss. But worth the email.
Step 2: Suppress It in Search Results
If removal fails, suppression is your best friend.
Suppression means burying the negative article by flooding Google with better content. It doesn’t erase the story. It just makes sure nobody sees it.
Over 90% of people never go past the first page of search results. So if you can push the article to page two or three, it’s basically invisible.
Here’s how to do it.
Create a Website With Your Name or Business
Google loves official websites. Buy a domain, write your story, add testimonials, and keep it fresh. Make sure the page uses your name or business clearly in the headline and URL.
Start Publishing Positive Content
Write blog posts. Get quoted in articles. Launch a YouTube channel. Do podcast interviews. Each new piece adds another layer of positive content that competes with the negative stuff.
Fill Out Every Social Profile
Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, even Pinterest. Google indexes all of it. Use consistent bios and keep them public. Link back to your site.
Get Listed in Directories
Sites like Crunchbase, About.me, and business listings help you show up in more searches. Each listing is one more step toward pushing down the article.
One real estate agent we helped saw a negative news story drop from position 2 to position 11 just by publishing weekly market updates on their blog. It doesn’t take magic. Just consistency.
Step 3: Hire a Reputation Management Service
If this all sounds like too much, you’re not alone. Managing your search results takes time, strategy, and patience.
That’s where reputation management firms come in.
A good service will:
- Analyze what’s showing up
- Build a custom content plan
- Create and publish SEO-optimized content
- Monitor your name over time
Some companies even reach out to publishers on your behalf.
We’ve seen Reputation Flare work with doctors, executives, and small business owners to clean up old stories that were holding them back. They don’t promise miracles, but they deliver solid results.
If you’re stuck or the stakes are high, hiring pros can save you time and stress.
Step 4: Request Removal from Google Search (Only If You Qualify)
Remember earlier when we said Google won’t remove articles unless they violate policies?
That’s still true. But if the news story includes personal details like your address, ID numbers, or bank data, you might be able to file a request.
Here’s the link: Google’s Content Removal Tool
Make sure to include screenshots and URLs.
Again, this only works for specific cases. But it’s worth checking.
Some users also try to delete Google news articles by reporting them as outdated. This only works if the content no longer exists on the source site. If it’s still live, the report won’t go far.
Final Tips: Protect Your Reputation Going Forward
Google’s memory is long. But your content can shape the story.
- Set Google Alerts for your name or business
- Monitor what’s being said about you
- Share updates regularly so new content stays fresh
- Own your online presence early so you’re not reacting later
If a negative article ever comes back, you’ll be ready.
In Closing
Yes, you can fight back against a bad news article on Google. No, it’s not always easy. But with the right strategy, you can take control of your story again.
You don’t need to feel stuck or embarrassed. You just need a plan.
Start by checking if the article can be removed. If not, focus on suppression. Create better content. Push the bad stuff down. Or team up with a pro who knows how to do it fast and clean.
Negative headlines don’t have to haunt your name forever. You have options. Use them.