I found my name is associated with pornography, what can I do?
Discovering your name linked to pornographic content can feel overwhelming and deeply distressing, especially when you have never consented to or participated in such material. You are not powerless. In this case study, we share how one of our clients faced the same situation and how we were able to help her remove the damaging associations and reclaim her online reputation.
The problem: pornographic content linked to a unique name
The legal strategy: using the Right to Be Forgotten
Outcome: successful delisting and restored peace of mind
Why your name might be falsely linked to pornography online and what to do about it
If you're seeing pornographic content linked to your name
The problem: pornographic content linked to a unique name
When our client, a senior NHS nurse, innocently searched her name online, she was devastated to discover that pornographic websites were displaying her name next to explicit videos. The false association was shocking and completely unfounded.
As a healthcare professional with a distinctive name, she worried that friends, family, or even her employer might find the same results and draw harmful conclusions.
We'll call her Sophia. Living in the UK and originally from Greece, Sophia’s name is unique—making it all the more likely to be noticed. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she happened upon the damaging content through a routine Google search.
Her name appeared tagged to adult content on several sites, giving the false impression that she was somehow involved. Sophia was not featured in the videos. However, her name was used in association with them, likely by individuals seeking to cause her distress.
She suspected a former partner, with whom she had ended a difficult relationship years prior. While she had no definitive proof, the timing and nature of the smear campaign pointed in that direction.
The reputational damage was immediate. Unsolicited messages started to arrive on her Facebook account from strangers referencing the videos. Not only was this a violation of her privacy—it posed a real threat to her career and personal wellbeing.
The legal strategy: using the Right to Be Forgotten
During our initial consultation with Sophia and following further investigation, we were able to present her with a clear two-step legal strategy. First, we advised pursuing a Right to Be Forgotten application with Google.
Under the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, individuals can request the removal of personal data that is false, irrelevant, excessive, or no longer necessary. In this case, the association of Sophia’s name with pornographic content was clearly misleading and disproportionate.
Second, we outlined the option of sending GDPR notices to the website operators themselves, requesting the removal of her name from their platforms. This would involve citing breaches of her data protection rights and, if necessary, pursuing legal action through the High Court.
Given the number of websites involved and the international nature of the platforms, this route was deemed more complex and less effective as a first step. We submitted a comprehensive and legally detailed Right to Be Forgotten application to Google on Sophia’s behalf, including references to the distress caused, the professional risks she faced, and the falsity of the associations.
Outcome: successful delisting and restored peace of mind
Google reviewed the submission and agreed to delist all of the URLs from its search results across Europe. Within days, the explicit links no longer appeared under searches of Sophia’s name, including several common misspellings and variations.
The results were immediate. Sophia reported a complete cessation of unsolicited messages, and she was no longer fearful of being misjudged by employers or peers. We also provided guidance on recovering access to her Facebook account, which had been lost during the ordeal.
This successful outcome restored Sophia’s control over her digital presence and allowed her to move forward without the burden of false accusations haunting her online.
Why your name might be falsely linked to pornography online and what to do about it
False associations with pornographic content can happen for several reasons. Sometimes it’s a result of a technical error on search engines or poor moderation on adult websites, where names can be freely added to tags and metadata.
In other cases, it may be due to mistaken identity—particularly for individuals with rare or unique names. More maliciously, it can stem from revenge, harassment or smear campaigns, often initiated by disgruntled ex-partners or people with a personal vendetta. The emotional toll this takes can be profound. Clients often worry about their families finding the content, particularly children and their friends or school communities.
For professionals, there is the added concern of colleagues or employers seeing the material and drawing incorrect and damaging conclusions. In some sectors, this could even threaten employment or future career prospects.
Acting quickly is essential. The longer such content remains visible, the greater the risk of reputational harm. Just as importantly, is approaching the problem correctly. It’s critical not to take steps that could be interpreted as accepting ownership or association with the content. The legal strategy must be carefully structured to ensure both speed and protection, allowing for effective takedown without unintended consequences.
If you're seeing pornographic content linked to your name
If you’ve found your name associated with pornographic content online and you have never given consent or been involved in such material, there are legal remedies available which wouldn’t cost you a fortune and are likely to be highly effective.
Even if the content is not about you directly, if your name appears on websites, tags or search results in a misleading or damaging way, you may be entitled to have it removed under the Right to Be Forgotten. This applies even where no image of you appears, but your personal data (such as your name) is being misused.
If any of these apply to you, we can help. Our team specialises in internet law, and we have years of experience in using GDPR, the Data Protection Act and other digital legal tools to protect individuals from online harassment, defamation and false associations.