By any other name: fact-checking and the right to forget the past

This paper explores the evolving legal landscape surrounding the Right to Be Forgotten in the context of the digital age, where the persistence of online information poses significant challenges to the balance between freedom of expression and privacy rights. While traditional media and fact-checking mechanisms aim to ensure the accuracy and integrity of public information, they often fall short in addressing the long-term harm caused by the enduring availability of personal data online. Drawing on European jurisprudence, particularly the decisions of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), and contrasting it with the Brazilian legal approach, this paper highlights the need for robust legal frameworks that allow individuals to reclaim control over outdated or harmful information. The study underscores the role of the Right to Be Forgotten as a fundamental legal tool in protecting personal dignity in digital environments, advocating for its recognition as an essential component of modern data protection laws.