What is the right to be forgotten?

The right to be forgotten is centered on an individual's right to have their personal data erased or deleted when it is no longer necessary for the purposes for which it was collected, or when they withdraw consent. This principle is particularly significant in data protection laws, such as the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It empowers individuals to regain control over their personal information and seek its removal from databases managed by organizations, thereby protecting privacy and autonomy.

In this context, the other options fail to accurately capture the essence of the right to be forgotten. Accessing personal data relates to transparency and the right to view data held about oneself, rather than the deletion of that data. The concept does not support businesses retaining data without limits, as this would counteract individuals' rights. Lastly, while data retention guidelines exist, the right to be forgotten specifically focuses on an individual's request for data deletion rather than laying out rules for how long data can be held by organizations.