A group of Japanese doctors has taken legal action against Google, filing a civil lawsuit in Tokyo District Court for damages related to what they claim are derogatory and false comments posted on the platform. The lawsuit, which demands 1.4 million yen ($9,400) in damages for 63 medical professionals, alleges that groundless negative reviews have been posted on Google Maps, a popular app in Japan.
According to the doctors, these comments are often irresponsible and appear to be written out of spite, spreading like wildfire and becoming nearly impossible to refute. Despite complaints, Google has allegedly done little to address the issue, prompting the legal action.
Yuichi Nakazawa, who leads the legal team for the plaintiffs, emphasized the substantial damage suffered by the medical professionals and the lack of power they have had to fight back against the damaging comments. The lawsuit aims to hold Google accountable for the harmful impact of misleading information on its platform.
While class actions are rare in Japan, this lawsuit against Google is intended to shed light on the potential dangers of online reviews and the responsibility of tech companies to monitor and address false information. The damages sought by the doctors are symbolic, at about 23,000 yen ($150) per plaintiff.
This legal battle highlights the growing concern over the impact of online reviews on industries such as healthcare, where inaccurate information can have serious consequences for both professionals and patients.