Week 11: Right to be Forgotten vs. Right of Expression

"Thus, the wish to guard one’s reputation and the public’s access to

information seem to collide head-on, with the right to

be forgotten lying at the centre of the dispute." (Fazlioglu, 2013, p. 153)

The above quote was based on Dr. Russo's patient dispute case. I see both sides of the debate. On one hand citizens (children included), as well as professionals and public figures have the right to erasure in order to self-correct (or whatever the reason may be). On the other hand, knowing that what is published online remains in the ether is a sobering thought that should make people think long and hard beforehand. There is also the sense that future life opportunities may be curtailed because of one's past digital trail. It's a tough call. On the flip side, the public does have the right to know. Withholding pertinent information, especially information that was self-disclosed needs to be captured and retained for referencing later. I do believe that in the Falioglu case, the information needs to remain online in the interest of the patients.