Google leaks victims' personal data after forwarding takedown requests to research project
South Korean authorities say Google disclosed sensitive details from removal requests about illegal sexual-image victims to a research institute, prompting protests and investigations.
Korean victims of illegal filming sent Google detailed removal requests, seeking the deletion of URLs and search terms that exposed them to online harassment. Google forwarded these requests, containing personal identifiers such as names, ages, workplaces and phone numbers, to Project L, a research institute linked to Harvard Law School, without the victims' consent. The leaked information appeared verbatim on the institute's website, prompting the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family and the Korea Communications Standards Commission to demand immediate deletion and launch an investigation.
Over 47 victim requests and more than 100 agency-generated search terms were posted before being taken down after a 13-day effort. Minister Won Min-kyong summoned Google representatives, expressing regret over the breach and seeking assurances against future leaks. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in protecting victims of digital sexual crimes from secondary harm caused by search engine practices.
