Tokyo Court Orders Google To Delete Crime-Implying Search Results

Google was ordered by the Tokyo District Court this week to delete a number of search results that a Japanese man claimed tied him to criminal activity he was not involved in. The decision comes not long after a European court ruled that internet users have the "Right to be Forgotten," forcing Google to accept requests for deleting URLs to misleading or false information from their search results.

The Japanese ruling grants an injunction that orders Google to delete 122 search results incorrectly linking a man's name to past crimes. Lawyers for the man argued that such results were in violation of his right to privacy, as well as damaging to his reputation.

Google defended itself by arguing that as a search provider it was not responsible for offending results. However, the judge stated that as Google manages the search engine, it was obliged to delete the results tying the man to crime, as he "received tangible damage" by being presented as "a bad man."

Many legal commentators say that the ruling is unlikely to lead to reforms like Europe's "right to be forgotten" laws, as the Tokyo court has not set a precedent, and the injunction is specific to only the claimant and certain data connected to him. Google has stated that it is reviewing the preliminary injunction, and weighing its options, including appeal. However, the company added that it does comply with the removal of search results when required by law.

SOURCE Wall Street Journal