A man is trying to sue Google New Zealand for $10 million because its online search engine brings up an unfavourable blog post. <\/p>\n
Razdan Rafiq, an undischarged bankrupt, was the subject of a post on blog cqae.co.nz, which labelled him \"nutbar\" and a \"serial moaner\". <\/p>\n
The post made reference to a Human Rights Tribunal decision about Mr Rafiq and included direct excerpts from his \"shrill, abusive and racist\" correspondence during the proceedings. <\/p>\n
Mr Rafiq \"took umbrage\" at the blog and filed proceedings against Google New Zealand under the claim that a search on the Google website brings up the blog post. <\/p>\n
He is suing Google New Zealand for $10 million for defamation. <\/p>\n
\"He does not suggest that the defendant itself defamed him,\" Associate Judge Jeremy Doogue said in a High Court judgment. <\/p>\n
\"I understand that his argument is that if one framed a Google search in suitable terms, it would lead to a synopsis on the report page.\" <\/p>\n
However, Google has applied for a security of costs, meaning Mr Rafiq must come up with about $10,000 before the case can proceed. <\/p>\n
Associate Judge Doogue said Mr Rafiq's case had \"little prospect of success\" and there was legitimate concern that he couldn't afford the costs. <\/p>\n
\"Given the extraordinary and obscene communication which the plaintiff (used)... the blogger may very well have a defence of honest opinion,\" the judgment said. <\/p>\n
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More here: A man is trying to sue Google New Zealand for $10 million because its online search engine brings up an unfavourable blog post. Razdan Rafiq, an undischarged bankrupt, was the subject of a post on blog cqae.co.nz, which labelled him \"nutbar\" and a \"serial moaner\". The post made reference to a Human Rights Tribunal decision about Mr Rafiq and included direct excerpts from his \"shrill, abusive and racist\" correspondence during the proceedings. Continue reading
\nMan suing Google NZ over blog post<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"