Epstein Victims Target Trump Administration and Google in Privacy Lawsuit

A class action lawsuit was initiated on Thursday by a group of survivors of Jeffrey Epstein, targeting both the Trump administration and Google for the unauthorized release of sensitive personal information linked to the late sex offender's case.

“The United States, through the DOJ, made a conscious decision to prioritize rapid disclosure over the privacy of Epstein survivors,” the plaintiffs asserted, claiming that the Justice Department “outed approximately 100 survivors of the convicted sexual predator, publishing their private information and identifying them to the world.”

Despite the government’s subsequent withdrawal of this personal information from public files, the survivors contend that “online entities like Google continuously republish it, ignoring victims’ requests to remove it.” They specifically noted that their details remain visible in search results and AI-generated content.

“Survivors now face renewed trauma. Strangers call them, email them, threaten their physical safety, and accuse them of conspiring with Epstein when they are, in reality, Epstein’s victims,” the complaint states.

Requests for comments from both the Justice Department and Google went unanswered Thursday night.

In a letter dated February 2 to Judges Richard Berman and Paul Engelmayer in New York's Southern District, U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton indicated that the Justice Department was "in the process" of removing documents containing "victim-identifying information."

“The Department has worked tirelessly since the first victim-related concerns were raised,” the letter detailed. “Thousands of documents and media have been taken down that may have inadvertently included victim-identifying information due to various factors, including technical or human error.”

The letter further stated that the Justice Department is "continuously evaluating its processes and making further enhancements as necessary" to address victims’ concerns while adhering to the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which was signed into law by President Donald Trump in November. The Justice Department had previously assured that it would safeguard survivors' privacy during the release.

The plaintiffs are seeking a minimum of $1,000 per survivor from the Justice Department along with punitive damages “in amounts sufficient to punish and deter” Google.

Additionally, they have requested that the court mandate Google to immediately and permanently remove the survivors’ personal information.

The lawsuit emphasizes that Google possesses the technological means to eliminate content in response to legal requests concerning sensitive personal data.

“Google’s refusal to utilize such tools in this instance demonstrates its reckless conduct,” showing “disregard for the wellbeing of Plaintiff and other victims,” according to the lawsuit.

Survivors have reportedly notified Google about the "unlawful disclosure" multiple times throughout February and March, yet the content remains accessible on Google.

The plaintiffs argue that the Justice Department has breached the Privacy Act of 1974 by disclosing survivors’ information without their consent. They have also filed civil claims against Google for violations of California’s unfair competition law, invasion of privacy, negligent infliction of emotional distress, and breaches of California civil code aimed at doxxing.

"No survivor of sexual abuse should have to live in fear that a stranger can type their name into a search bar and instantly find out about their worst trauma. Yet that’s exactly what happened here," stated Julie Erickson, one of the attorneys representing the plaintiffs.

"The DOJ opened the door by unlawfully disclosing victim-identifying information, and Google is holding that door wide open, even after being warned about the damage it’s causing."