The right to be forgotten refers to which of the following?

The right to be forgotten is a concept rooted in data protection and privacy laws, particularly highlighted by the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This right allows individuals to request the deletion of their personal data under certain circumstances, emphasizing the importance of consent and control over personal information.

The correct answer aligns with this definition, as it encompasses the broad principle that individuals can have their data erased when it is no longer necessary for the purposes for which it was collected, or if they withdraw consent on which the processing is based, among other conditions. This right empowers individuals to take charge of their digital footprints, enhancing their privacy.

The other options provided do not accurately represent the right to be forgotten. For instance, erasing criminal history involves a legal process that doesn't pertain to the broader concept of personal data rights. The right to no longer pay taxes is unrelated to data privacy, and masking generally refers to altering data to protect privacy rather than removing it altogether. Thus, the essence of the right to be forgotten fundamentally lies in the control and potential erasure of one's personal data upon request, making it a critical aspect of modern data protection legislation.