Google LLC v Defteros

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Google LLC v Defteros is a significant legal case in the realm of defamation law and internet regulation. The case involves Google LLC, a multinational technology company specializing in Internet-related services and products, and George Defteros, an Australian lawyer.

Background

The case originated in Australia when George Defteros, a lawyer, sued Google LLC for defamation. Defteros claimed that Google had published defamatory material about him by providing a hyperlink to an article on the Melbourne newspaper The Age's website. The article in question detailed Defteros' involvement with criminal figures, which he argued was damaging to his reputation.

Legal Proceedings

The case was first heard in the Supreme Court of Victoria, where the court ruled in favor of Defteros. The court found that Google was a "publisher" of the defamatory material because it provided a hyperlink to the article. Google was ordered to pay damages to Defteros.

Google appealed the decision to the High Court of Australia, arguing that it should not be considered a publisher of the content merely by providing a hyperlink. The High Court's decision was eagerly awaited as it had significant implications for the liability of internet companies in defamation cases.

High Court Decision

In a landmark ruling, the High Court of Australia overturned the decision of the Supreme Court of Victoria. The High Court held that Google was not a publisher of the defamatory material simply by providing a hyperlink. The court reasoned that a hyperlink is merely a tool that directs a user to another webpage and does not constitute publication of the content on that page.

Implications

The decision in Google LLC v Defteros has far-reaching implications for internet law and the liability of search engines and other internet intermediaries. It clarifies that providing a hyperlink to defamatory content does not amount to publication of that content, thereby offering some protection to internet companies from defamation claims.

See Also

• Defamation
• Internet law
• High Court of Australia
• Google LLC
• Supreme Court of Victoria