A group of Japanese doctors has taken legal action against Google, alleging that the tech giant has allowed derogatory and false comments to be posted without proper oversight. The civil lawsuit, filed in Tokyo District Court, seeks damages totaling 1.4 million yen ($9,400) on behalf of 63 medical professionals.
Google responded to the allegations by stating that it is actively working to combat misleading information on its platform. The company emphasized its efforts to remove fraudulent reviews using a combination of human moderation and technological tools.
The doctors claim that negative and baseless reviews have appeared on Google Maps, a popular app in Japan where users can rate and review various establishments. According to the lawsuit, some of these comments are malicious and difficult to refute, leading to significant harm to the reputation of the medical professionals.
The plaintiffs argue that Google has not adequately addressed the issue despite receiving complaints. They assert that the impact of these false reviews is substantial and that individuals have been unable to defend themselves effectively.
Online reviews play a significant role in shaping public perception of healthcare providers in Japan, where many people rely on such feedback to make decisions about medical treatment. The doctors involved in the lawsuit warn that inaccurate or harmful comments could have serious consequences for the healthcare sector.
While class action lawsuits are uncommon in Japan, Google has faced legal challenges in other countries over various issues, including misleading advertising and privacy violations. The recent settlement in the U.S., where Google agreed to delete personal data collected from millions of users, underscores the growing scrutiny of tech companies' practices.
The Japanese lawsuit aims to draw attention to the potential risks associated with online platforms and the need for greater accountability. The damages sought by the medical professionals are symbolic, amounting to approximately 23,000 yen ($150) per plaintiff.
