US judge: Google can compile search results itself

The composition of Google’s search results is subject to freedom of expression. That is what a US court has ruled. A website claimed to be disadvantaged by Google with a low position in the search results.

The website, CoastNews, claimed that Google downgraded the website because the website might compete with the search engine. The website also noted that competitors Bing and Yahoo would place the website higher in the search results.

Google immediately objected to the lawsuit filed by CoastNews, based on a California law designed to stem lawsuits that threaten free speech. The judge agreed with the appeal, ruling that CoastNews’ complaint violated “Google’s activities protected by the Constitution.”

The court therefore ruled that Google itself may determine how it compiles its search results. This judge differs from that of the European Court of Justice, which ruled that citizens can object if, in their opinion, outdated or incorrect information can be found via a search engine.