“Stunning”/ “Shear Madness” – Reaction to Google Convictions

The reactions are coming in fast and furious to yesterday’s conviction of three Google executives in an Italian court. Linked here are just a few of the more than 1,000 media stories on the decision so far.

Google privacy convictions in Italy spark outrage
Larger Threat Is Seen in Google Case - NYTimes.com
Conviction of Google Execs in Italy Shear Madness
Kerry: Sending Google execs to prison 'unjust' - The Hill's Hillicon Valley

BREAKING NEWS: Google Executives Convicted on Privacy Charges in Italy

In the first case of its kind, an Italian judge today convicted three Google executives on privacy violations in Milan court. Global Privacy Counsel Peter Fleischer, Chief Legal Officer David Drummond, and another executive were found guilty of failing to comply with Italian privacy code in allowing a disparaging video to be posted online. A fourth defendant was acquitted. All three will appeal the decision.

Judge Oscar Magi ordered a six-month suspended jail sentence and fines for Fleischer, Drummond and former Google Italy board member George De Los Reyes. The three were absolved of defamation charges. .The case stems from the posting of a video to Google Video Italia showing teenage boys taunting a classmate with Down syndrome. Prosecutors charged that the executives did not do enough to keep the offensive video off its site. In a statement, Peter Fleischer said the ruling sets a dangerous precedent. “If company employees like me can be held criminally liable for any video on a hosting platform…then our liability is unlimited.” He said today’s decision raises questions for the operators of many Internet platforms.

Stay tuned.

Google on Trial in Italy

Friends at the Norton Rose law firm have published a great Update on Google Italian prosecution. The trial of the Google executives has been delayed, but the Norton Rose piece outlines the background of the proceedings and the current status.