Tokyo - A Japanese judge has ordered Google to remove search results of a man's unflattering past in a new “right to be forgotten” order following a landmark ruling in Europe.
The Tokyo District Court ordered Google Japan on Thursday to remove search results that hinted at the man's relations with a criminal organisation after he complained his privacy rights were violated.
Google spokesman Taj Meadows said the company has a standard process for removal requests, and people can come to Google.
In May, Europe's highest court ruled Google should delete references to negative past information, including old debts and past arrests, to protect what has come to be called “the right to be forgotten.”
Some called that a win for privacy rights, while others warned it could lead to censorship. - Sapa-AP