If your name appears in a negative news article, you’ve probably searched for ways to make it disappear. One option that often comes up? Asking the publisher to update or remove your name from the story.
But does that actually help your search reputation?
Let’s break it down.
Learn More: How to Remove a News Article from Google
Yes—Name Redaction Can Help
If your name is taken out of the article entirely, that article will no longer appear in search results for your name. Google connects your name to that content, so removing it cuts that tie.
When It’s Most Effective:
- You were involved in a minor incident years ago
- The case was expunged, dismissed, or resolved
- Your name has no relevance to the story’s value today
- You’re being targeted by name in the headline or metadata
Publishers sometimes agree to change the name to something generic like “a local man” or “the individual involved.”
Once updated, you can use Google’s Remove Outdated Content Tool to speed up the change in search results.
Redaction ≠ Deletion
Keep in mind: redaction doesn’t remove the article from the internet. It still exists, and people can still find it if they search the right terms or browse the website directly.
But if someone Googles your name, that article should drop off the map—often within a few weeks of being updated and reported to Google.
What If the Publisher Only Updates the Story?
If they simply add new info without changing your name, that won’t help your search results much. Google still indexes it under your name, and it may even rank higher due to the update.
In this case, you’ll need to ask for full removal of your name or pursue suppression strategies to push the article lower in results.
Final Word
Updating or redacting your name from an article is one of the most effective ways to protect your search reputation—without needing legal action or full deletion. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth the effort.
Not sure how to ask? We’ll handle it for you.
Get a Free Quote from Reputation Flare—pay only if we succeed.