Damages trial begins in Tokyo over Google Maps reviews

A Tokyo court has begun hearing a damages case brought by plaintiffs who claim US tech giant Google failed to delete harmful and inaccurate reviews on its Google Maps app.

The suit was filed by 63 individuals and organizations, including medical doctors. The plaintiffs are seeking over 1.4 million yen, or about 9,000 dollars, from Google. The trial started at the Tokyo District Court on Wednesday.

Google Maps allows users to rate and post comments about places and facilities.

The plaintiffs say some comments posted on the app were inaccurate and that low ratings were given without justification. They also say the operator failed to delete those reviews when requested to do so.

Google has asked the court to dismiss the plaintiffs' damages claim.