Posted in: Tattle, Technology

Google warns of ‘devastating’ impact if court ruling on defamatory hyperlinks not overturned

Tech company says it will be forced to ‘censor’ search results if $40,000 damages win for Melbourne solicitor is allowed to stand

  • Follow our Australia news live blog for the latest updates
  • Download the free Guardian app; get our morning email briefing

Google has warned of a “devastating” impact on the internet if a court ruling that the search giant is liable for defamatory material contained in hyperlinked pages is not overturned.

Google warned in a submission to the high court it will be forced to “censor” its search results if a $40,000 defamation damages award to George Defteros, a solicitor who represented Melbourne gangland figures, is allowed to stand.

Sign up to receive an email with the top stories from Guardian Australia every morning

Back to Top