Japan Court Orders Google to Remove Search Results
- By Matt Holden
- Oct 10, 2014
A Japanese judge has ordered Google to remove search results of a man’s unflattering past, similar to Europe’s “right to be forgotten” rule.
The Tokyo District Court ordered Google Japan on Thursday to remove search results that hinted at the man’s relations with a criminal organization after he complained his privacy rights were violated.
Google spokesman Taj Meadows said the company has a standard process for removal requests, and people can approach Google.
“We remove pages from our search results when required by local law, including Japan’s longstanding privacy and defamation laws,” he said in a report. The company is reviewing the ruling.
The plaintiff’s lawyer took the European “right to be forgotten” ruling in May as an example and used some of its logic and language.
Some experts say that before Google can rationalize taking down the information, Japan needs to define the borders of privacy and search functions.
About the Author
Matt Holden is an Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media, Inc. He received his MFA and BA in journalism from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. He currently writes and edits for Occupational Health & Safety magazine, and Security Today.