The lawsuit involves around 60 doctors in Japan who are accusing Google Maps of not taking action against vitriolic reviews of their clinics. The doctors are seeking a total of 1.4 million yen in damages from Google, claiming that they are unable to respond to or refute these reviews due to patient confidentiality obligations. One doctor stated that online users can post anything anonymously, even if it is slanderous or abusive, making them feel like a punching bag.
The case, which is taking place at Tokyo District Court, is said to be the first class-action lawsuit in Japan targeting a platform over negative online reviews. The plaintiffs’ lawyer, Yuichi Nakazawa, expressed the difficulty in having these reviews removed and the fear that doctors may face constant attacks online. The lawsuit aims to address the challenges that medical professionals face in maintaining their reputation and dealing with online criticism while upholding their professional standards.
The complaint filed by the plaintiffs highlights the conflict between patient satisfaction and medical professionalism. It argues that the primary goal of medical institutions is to provide quality care and treatment for patients, rather than merely satisfying their requests. The plaintiffs stress the importance of maintaining a high standard of care in the face of potential backlash from patients seeking immediate solutions or expressing dissatisfaction with medical diagnoses and treatments.
The nature of the medical profession can leave doctors vulnerable to personal attacks from patients who harbor grudges or have unrealistic expectations. The plaintiffs argue that these ad hominem attacks can have a detrimental impact on a doctor’s reputation and ability to provide quality care. The lawsuit seeks to address the challenges that medical professionals face in maintaining a balance between patient expectations and professional standards while coping with online criticism and unwarranted attacks.
Overall, the lawsuit highlights the growing concern among medical professionals in Japan regarding negative online reviews and the impact they can have on their reputation and ability to provide quality care. The doctors are seeking accountability from Google in addressing these challenges and ensuring that online platforms take appropriate action to protect the professional integrity of healthcare providers. The outcome of this class-action lawsuit could set a precedent for future cases involving online defamation and the responsibilities of tech companies in addressing harmful online content.
