If a news article is updated to remove your name, you might expect it to disappear from Google right away. But here’s the reality: even a redacted article can still show up in search results—for a while.
Here’s why that happens, and what you can do about it.
Learn More: How to Remove a News Article from Google
What Is a Redacted Article?
Redaction means your personal details—like your name, address, or photo—are removed or replaced. Instead of “John Smith,” the article might now say “a local resident.”
This is a common compromise when full deletion isn’t possible.
Why It Might Still Appear in Search
Google doesn’t instantly update its index. If the original version of the article included your name, that version could still be cached or referenced in search results for days or weeks.
You might still see:
- Your name in the search snippet
- A preview that shows old text
- The article listed under your name in Google
How to Fully Clear It from Google
Once the publisher updates the article, you can take steps to remove the old version from search.
Here’s what works:
- Use the Remove Outdated Content Tool to request that Google re-crawls the page and updates the snippet.
- If your personal info was included and now it’s gone, you can also try the Results About You Tool to speed things up.
- If the article was about a sensitive issue—like a dismissed charge or a family matter—you may qualify for further de-indexing through a legal removal request.
Once Google processes the change, the result tied to your name usually disappears.
When Does It Disappear on Its Own?
Eventually, Google will re-crawl the page and update its listing—usually within a few weeks. But that timeline isn’t guaranteed, especially if the article doesn’t get much traffic.
If you want it gone faster, you need to be proactive.
Final Takeaway
Redacting your name from a news article is a powerful first step—but it’s not the finish line. The article can still appear in search results until you request Google to update or remove the cached version.
Need help making sure your redacted article actually disappears?
Reputation Flare handles the follow-through—so your name stays off the front page. Get a Free Quote to get started.