[Japan] In a legal first doctors sue Google for ‘unfair’ reviews

In Japan, a group of doctors and dentists have filed a lawsuit against Google LLC for keeping what they say are unfair reviews posted on its Google Maps app, Kyodo News reports.

The plaintiffs, made up of 63 professionals in the healthcare industry nationwide, filed the suit with the Tokyo District Court on April 18, it claims that groundless negative reviews left on Google Maps enormously disadvantaged their businesses.

The lawsuit reportedly seeks around 1.4 million yen ($9,000) in damages. Defence counsel stated that this is the first such action against a tech company providing platform services.

Google Maps allows users to post reviews about businesses and rate their services on a scale of one to five. Other information is also available, including location and operating hours.

A doctor with a private practice in Tokyo who heads the plaintiffs said, "The operations of many medical institutions have been obstructed by slander, insults, and untrue 'closed for business' posts.".

Yuichi Nakazawa - lawyer for the plaintiffs - reportedly said it is wrong that Google bears no responsibility considering the disadvantaged position of the claimants, adding it is a heavy burden for individuals to request review deletions.

The plaintiffs from various parts of Japan contend that while they cannot argue against groundless reviews due to doctor-patient confidentiality, Google has not taken appropriate action.

A spokesperson for Google said that the tech giant has been trying to reduce incorrect information and misunderstandings. They refused to comment on an individual case.

Source: Kyodo News

In Japan, a group of doctors and dentists have filed a lawsuit against Google LLC for keeping what they say are unfair reviews posted on its Google Maps app, Kyodo News reports.

The plaintiffs, made up of 63 professionals in the healthcare industry nationwide, filed the suit with the Tokyo District Court on April 18, it claims that groundless negative reviews left on Google Maps enormously disadvantaged their businesses.

The lawsuit reportedly seeks around 1.4 million yen ($9,000) in damages. Defence counsel stated that this is the first such action against a tech company providing platform services.

Google Maps allows users to post reviews about businesses and rate their services on a scale of one to five. Other information is also available, including location and operating hours.

A doctor with a private practice in Tokyo who heads the plaintiffs said, "The operations of many medical institutions have been obstructed by slander, insults, and untrue 'closed for business' posts.".

Yuichi Nakazawa - lawyer for the plaintiffs - reportedly said it is wrong that Google bears no responsibility considering the disadvantaged position of the claimants, adding it is a heavy burden for individuals to request review deletions.

The plaintiffs from various parts of Japan contend that while they cannot argue against groundless reviews due to doctor-patient confidentiality, Google has not taken appropriate action.

A spokesperson for Google said that the tech giant has been trying to reduce incorrect information and misunderstandings. They refused to comment on an individual case.

Source: Kyodo News