Report: Italy charges Google officials over taunting video

Italian prosecutors reportedly filed defamation and breach of privacy charges against four former and current Google officials and set a February 3 hearing date, according to a Reuters report.

The case centers on allegations Google did not take steps to prevent a third party from posting video on its site that shows a teenager with Down syndrome being taunted by other teens.

Italian authorities were set to charge the individuals back in July. Prosecutors have since filed the charges and a hearing date for February has been set, Reuters said.

According to reports back in July, those to be charged were the former chairman of Google Italy, a former Google Italy board member, the former head of Google Video for Europe, and an executive responsible for European privacy policy.

Google representatives were not immediately available for comment.

[Lerianis]

Excuse me, but frankly.... this is not a 'violation of privacy'. Was the kid out in the great outdoors, outside of his home? Yes? Then he has no right to privacy, and the videotape can be put online whether he and his family likes it or not.
Same way that a picture of myself taken outside of my home can be uploaded, and I cannot do JACK **** to keep it from being posted by law.

[therealbean]

You're talking American law. Italian law could be different in this regard.

[Lerianis]

Italian law different or not, it is simply NOT A VIOLATION OF PRIVACY, no matter what stupid laws a country has. When I am outside of my home, ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, I have no expectation of privacy, period and done with. Any laws that say I do....... unenforceable and simply illegal.

[contentcreator--2008]

Ridiculous. What about the people doing the taunting, and uploading the video? If you're going to get creative to try to redress an offensive incident, they would seem to be most at fault ---- but wait, they aren't the ones with all the money --- Law 101: Sue the people with the money....

[UITD]

Dont worry. Obama will fix this and all of our worries! Hey, I dont know about you folks but I stopped paying my mortgage and have begun to send my bills directly to the office of the president elect. <-- is that a joke and a half or what?!! office of the president elect.. bahhahahahahaha!

[Belinus]

Denny's would like to welcome Bitter, party of 1. Bitter, party of 1. Your table is ready

[UITD]

Dont worry about being bitter..... you'll be bitter when you come to find your hard earned money stolen from you and given to your neighbor who lounges around the couch all day long and does nothing. Or.... is that you, yourself that does nothing? Hmmm.

Hey, look at the bright side. We picked up 7 more states with Obama. Now we have 57 states. He campaigned in all 57 states - dont you know? Its true! He said so. So it must be.

You'll get bitter all right. Right up the butt. BOHICA!