German states propose ‘right to be forgotten’ for cancer survivors

German states Lower Saxony, Bremen, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern have introduced a resolution in the Bundesrat to establish a legal ‘right to be forgotten’ for cancer survivors. The initiative calls on the federal government to propose regulations ensuring that individuals are not required to disclose past cancer diagnoses once medically justified time periods have elapsed.

The proposed measure aims to prevent discrimination in sectors such as insurance contracts, consumer credit agreements, and adoption processes. Additionally, the states are requesting a mandate to delete existing data regarding past illnesses after these specified medical periods have passed.

Lower Saxony Health Minister Dr. Andreas Philippi stated that the move is a vital step toward social participation and equal opportunity, arguing that individuals who have overcome serious illnesses should not face permanent disadvantages if there is no longer a medical indication of increased risk.