LNAT Practice Test Essay – Is the Right to be Forgotten essential for maintaining individual freedom?

In the LawMint LNAT Practice Test Series for 2024 and 2025, there are 30 full length tests, with 360 passages – 1260 MCQs and 90 essay prompts or essay questions.

The essay below is a sample that can be written for the prompt:

Is the Right to be Forgotten essential for maintaining individual freedom?

This LNAT essay question is included in LawMint LNAT Practice Test series.

While the model essays may include both sides of an argument, the question may require you to state your stance - either for or against; and support it with arguments.

Read our articles and watch the videos on our YouTube channel for guidance on how to structure and write the LNAT Essay.

Introduction

The Right to be Forgotten is a concept that has emerged in the age of the internet, where personal information can be easily accessed and shared online. This right allows individuals to request the removal of personal information from search engine results or websites if it is no longer relevant, accurate, or infringes on their privacy. The debate around the Right to be Forgotten raises questions about the balance between individual freedom and the public’s right to information. This essay will discuss whether the Right to be Forgotten is essential for maintaining individual freedom and explore the arguments for and against its implementation.

Privacy and the Right to Rebuild One’s Life

One of the primary arguments in favor of the Right to be Forgotten is that it helps protect an individual’s privacy and allows them to rebuild their life after a mistake or negative event. In today’s digital age, personal information can be easily accessed, shared, and preserved indefinitely. This means that a person’s past actions or mistakes can continue to haunt them, potentially affecting their reputation, job prospects, and relationships.

By allowing individuals to request the removal of outdated or irrelevant information, the Right to be Forgotten can provide a means for people to move on from their past and rebuild their lives. In this sense, the Right to be Forgotten can be seen as essential for maintaining individual freedom by preventing a person’s past from defining their future indefinitely.

Censorship and the Public’s Right to Information

Opponents of the Right to be Forgotten argue that it can be used as a form of censorship and may infringe upon the public’s right to information. They contend that removing information from search engine results or websites can hinder the public’s ability to access accurate and relevant information. This concern is particularly relevant in cases involving public figures or matters of public interest, where the right to privacy may need to be balanced against the public’s right to know.

Critics argue that the Right to be Forgotten could be exploited by individuals seeking to rewrite history or hide negative information that should remain accessible to the public. In this sense, the Right to be Forgotten can potentially restrict individual freedom by limiting access to information and undermining the principles of transparency and accountability.

Striking the Right Balance

Finding the right balance between individual privacy rights and the public’s right to information is crucial when considering the Right to be Forgotten. Some argue that a more nuanced approach is necessary, where decisions on whether to remove information are made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account factors such as the individual’s right to privacy, the public’s right to know, and the accuracy and relevance of the information.

One possible solution is to establish clear guidelines and criteria for determining when the Right to be Forgotten should be granted. This could help ensure that the right is not abused for the purposes of censorship while still providing individuals with a means to protect their privacy and move on from their past.

Conclusion

The Right to be Forgotten is a complex and multifaceted issue that raises important questions about the balance between individual freedom and the public’s right to information. While it can be argued that the Right to be Forgotten is essential for maintaining individual freedom by protecting privacy and allowing individuals to rebuild their lives, concerns about censorship and the potential abuse of this right must also be considered.

Ultimately, finding the right balance between individual privacy rights and the public’s right to information is crucial for ensuring that the Right to be Forgotten serves its intended purpose without undermining freedom of expression and access to information. By developing clear guidelines and criteria for granting the Right to be Forgotten, it is possible to strike a balance that respects both individual freedom and the public’s right to know.