// Netherlands · Review removal

Debt collector loses bid to remove negative Google reviews over opinion statements

Rechtbank Midden-Nederland · 31 October 2025

ECLI:NL:RBMNE:2025:5657

The case

A debt collection company demanded Google Ireland remove three negative reviews it considered unlawful. The court denied all claims because the reviews contained subjective opinions rather than factually incorrect statements, and the plaintiff could not prove the reviews were inauthentic.

What the court considered

01The disputed reviews contained subjective opinions ('I consider the actions as fraud') rather than factual statements
02Terms like 'fraud' and 'deception' would not be understood by average readers as criminal accusations but as general expressions of dissatisfaction
03Plaintiff could not prove the reviews were inauthentic - not recognizing account names does not prove these weren't genuine customer experiences
04Each review must be individually assessed for unlawfulness; previous judgments against other parties are not binding on Google

What this means in practice

Companies must provide stronger evidence than merely not recognizing reviewers in order to have reviews declared unlawful. Subjective complaints about service provision generally fall under freedom of expression, even when strong language is used. This ruling clarifies the boundary between subjective opinion and factually incorrect statements in online reviews, which is important for balancing freedom of expression and reputation protection.

Legal basis

Artikel 6:162 BW (onrechtmatige daad)
EU-Verordening 1215/2012 (rechtsmacht)
Rome II-Verordening (EG 864/2007)

Review removal

Related rulings

// GET IN TOUCH

Free Case Assessment

Describe your situation and receive a free assessment of your chances, estimated hours, and recommended approach, within 48 hours.

Free & no obligation

Response within 48 hours

Over 90% of our requests granted

600+ cases handled

Your data is treated confidentially