As a compromise on Google, I suggest a “right-of-reply” link that would be displayed together with the link someone doesn’t like. On his right-of-reply page, for example, the Spanish plastic surgeon could point out that the newpaper article is 20 years old and that in more recent times he enjoys a excellent reputation. (Or he could dispute the accuracy of the article itself.) A single right-of-reply page would suffice for all the charges and links the author wishes to answer.

I have more sympathy for a “right to be forgotten” in straightforward “invasion of privacy” cases, but share skepticism that it can be made workable.

Comedy gold