search giant Google, claiming damages for what they say are unpoliced derogatory and false comments on the Google Maps platform. The lawsuit, filed in Tokyo District Court, demands 1.4 million yen ($9,400) in damages for 63 medical professionals who have been affected by negative reviews.

Google responded by stating that they are working around the clock to reduce misleading or false information on their platform, using a combination of human and technological resources to delete fraudulent reviews. However, the lawsuit argues that groundless negative reviews on Google Maps can be damaging and nearly impossible to refute, as they spread like wildfire through word of mouth.

Yuichi Nakazawa, the lead lawyer for the plaintiffs, emphasized that the damage suffered by the medical professionals is substantial and that they have been powerless to fight back against these harmful comments. Some Japanese citizens rely on online reviews of hospitals for information about the quality of care, but the lawsuit warns that these comments may be inaccurate and detrimental to the healthcare system.

This lawsuit sheds light on the potential dangers of Google's technology, with the lawyers for the medical professionals seeking symbolic damages of about 23,000 yen ($150) per plaintiff. Class actions are relatively rare in Japan, but Google has faced similar lawsuits in other countries for issues such as misleading advertising and violations of privacy.

Earlier this month, Google agreed to purge billions of records containing personal information collected from over 136 million people in the U.S. through its Chrome web browser, as part of a settlement in a U.S. lawsuit accusing Google of illegal surveillance. The lawsuit in Japan aims to hold Google accountable for the harmful impact of unpoliced online comments on their platform.