Truth & Advocacy By Calvin-Lee Hardie – Inverness

By Calvin-Lee Hardie

Content creator, digital rights advocate, and the man behind “Not Just a Name”

When the internet turns your name into a punchline, a headline, or a trending topic — without your consent — you realise very quickly how little protection actually exists.

Most people think that when something false, outdated, or harmful gets published online, you can just “get it taken down.” But in the UK, the process is more complicated — and more frustrating — than most people realise.

I learned that the hard way.

But I also learned how to fight back.

And now I’m going to show you exactly how to file a takedown request in the UK — with steps, templates, and insight based on what worked for me.

🔍 Step 1: Identify the Content

Before anything else, document the content you want removed. This includes:

• The exact URL where it appears
• Screenshots or archived versions (in case it’s edited or deleted)
• Notes on why the content is harmful, outdated, inaccurate, or unlawful

In my case, I targeted:

– Defamatory press articles that used outdated info

– Harassing social media posts

– Videos and comments designed to mislead the public

– Mentions of my name in connection to events I had no lawful record for

⚖️ Step 2: Choose Your Legal Basis

In the UK, you can use the following legal rights to request removal:

• Defamation: If the content is false and harms your reputation
• Copyright infringement: If your image or words were used without permission
• Data protection law (UK GDPR): If your personal data is being used unfairly or without consent
• Right to Be Forgotten: If the content is no longer relevant, necessary, or accurate

I used all of these — in different places, for different reasons.

✉️ Step 3: Submit to the Host or Platform

Here’s where most people give up.

Big companies like Google, Meta, or TikTok often have legal request portals buried deep in their help pages. You’ll need to:

1. Write a formal removal request
2. Provide evidence (screenshots, links, etc.)
3. Clearly cite the legal grounds (e.g. GDPR, Defamation, Copyright)
4. Insist on a response — not just submission

📌 Example:

I submitted a GDPR “Right to be Forgotten” request to Google Legal for outdated press content that affected my ability to work, live, and recover. I cited:

– Reputational damage

– Inaccuracy

– Lack of public interest

– Impact on mental health and employment

They initially rejected it.

So I followed up.

Then I complained to the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office).

Persistence paid off.

🏛️ Step 4: Escalate If Ignored

If the platform or publisher doesn’t respond, escalate.

• To the ICO if your data protection rights are violated
• To IPSO if the issue involves press or media articles
• To court if defamation, harassment, or copyright is involved

In my case, I filed:

• An ICO complaint for unlawful credit reporting and data misuse
• An IPSO complaint for a defamatory and outdated article
• Multiple court claims under Scottish procedure for copyright and reputational damage

It takes time. But each step makes your record stronger — and makes it harder for them to ignore you.

💬 My Advice: Don’t Let Silence Win

You don’t need to be a lawyer.

You just need a record.

You need documentation, consistency, and the will to keep going even when they hope you’ll stop.

Every request I made…

Every complaint I submitted…

Every takedown I chased…

Was done as an individual.

Not a company.

Not an influencer.

Just a person who refused to let other people tell my story for me.