Man suing Google NZ over blog post

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.

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.

He is suing Google New Zealand for $10 million for defamation.

"He does not suggest that the defendant itself defamed him," Associate Judge Jeremy Doogue said in a High Court judgment.

"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."

However, Google has applied for a security of costs, meaning Mr Rafiq must come up with about $10,000 before the case can proceed.

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.

"Given the extraordinary and obscene communication which the plaintiff (used)... the blogger may very well have a defence of honest opinion," the judgment said.

More here:
Man suing Google NZ over blog post