Tech Meets Law: Cardiff entrepreneur’s start-up sets new UK standard for online privacy
A South Wales entrepreneur is taking his legal expertise to the next level with the launch of a ground-breaking business aimed at protecting individuals’ online reputations.
Jeevan Mann, who graduated from Swansea University in 2022, is providing a lifeline to UK citizens looking to exercise their ‘Right to be Forgotten’ under the UK GDPR rules.
It means his company – Reputation Online – can assist clients in removing unwanted personal content from major search engines, such as Google, Bing and Yahoo.
Around £20,000 of his own money has been invested in launching the venture and creating a custom-built online portal designed for swift and secure case management by a team of UK-based legal experts.
The funding also supports office space in Cardiff, the acquisition of the valuable domain Reputation.online, and targeted marketing efforts aimed at educating the public about the importance of managing their online reputation.
“Inspired by my late grandad to set up my own business, Reputation Online gives me the ideal opportunity to leverage my legal skills to help make a positive difference to people’s lives,” explained Jeevan Mann.
“The work we do is not just about managing online reputations; it’s also about safeguarding mental health. Harassment, bullying and cases of mistaken can have severe psychological repercussions for victims.
“I have first-hand understanding of these issues, having seen my father go through the distressing experience of mistaken identity a few years ago.”
He continued: “Our service offers a way to redress these imbalances, providing not only legal assistance but also peace of mind and emotional respite for those we help.
“Dealing with this situation, alongside my role on the Miscarriage of Justice programme during my time at university, really made me want to do something to change the way these situations play out.”
Utilising his legal background, Jeevan collaborates with a team of specialist lawyers to devise bespoke strategies that help clients reclaim their online narrative, with the expertly assembled team adept at eradicating incorrect information and nurturing a positive digital footprint.
“It’s a positive change for families, individuals and eventually businesses, giving them the opportunity to have a successful future,” added Jeevan.
“We have a code of ethics that is strictly adhered to, and each case will be thoroughly discussed to ensure that we are acting in accordance with ‘the Right to be Forgotten’ legislation.”
The Welsh entrepreneur expects Reputation Online will initially have the capacity to offer a tailored service to 100 new clients each month, with this capacity doubling by the start of its second year.
It will offer three main services, starting with existing online content removal from major search engines and then working with the client to rebuild and restore their online reputation.
From here, its expert team will work with the individual on creating a positive online presence, which could be through monitoring online mentions, influencing perceptions and providing communications support to keep reputations intact.
“After establishing a robust presence in the UK, our next step will be to strategically expand our services to other countries where the demand for online reputation management is growing,” added Jeevan.
“This could include countries within the European Union, Canada, Australia and all locations that echo similar digital privacy concerns and regulations as the UK.”
He concluded: “Initial efforts are focused on individuals, but our longer-term business plan is to also work with businesses that need the same type of support.
“Given the rapid digital transformation of the corporate landscape, companies of all sizes are vulnerable to online threats, negative reviews and misinformation. This is definitely something we will be able to help with.”
For further information on how Reputation Online can help protect your online reputation, please visit the website at www.reputation.online or use this link to apply online: https://reputation.online/apply.