The right to erasure is the power of an individual to demand that their personal data be permanently removed when it is no longer needed, has been misused, or is being kept without a valid reason. Sometimes called the “right to be forgotten,” it reflects a person’s claim to control over the persistence of their digital identity. This right recognizes that privacy is not just about how data is collected, but also about ensuring it is not kept forever against someone’s wishes.
In the context of artificial intelligence, the right to erasure is critical because vast systems depend on huge datasets, many of which contain sensitive or identifying information. If individuals cannot request deletion, AI systems risk perpetuating harm by holding onto outdated, inaccurate, or unwanted records.
For Further Reading: Jessica Fjeld, Nele Achten, Hannah Hilligoss, Adam Nagy, and Madhulika Srikumar. “Principled Artificial Intelligence: Mapping Consensus in Ethical and Rights-Based Approaches to Principles for AI.” Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University, Research Publication No. 2020-1, January 15, 2020.
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