Giving a negative opinion on Google can cost you dearly, very dearly!

A forty-year-old left two negative reviews on google on a notary with whom he had business concerning an assignment of a commercial lease. Both comments were quite violent:A notary who does not deserve to be known” and “Notary crook. A shame to have that in France.»

The notary quickly made the connection, because the Internet user made his comments using his real first and last name. The case concerned a change of activities in premises where the opinion of the owner was required. Since it didn’t go his way, the client decided that the notary was responsible.

An opinion on the Internet can have very bad repercussions especially in a competitive field and the possibility of losing customers. The complainant therefore decided to file a complaint and requested €15,000 in damages. The prosecution was in its direction by recognizing the offensive nature of the opinion. Finally, the Internet user must pay €1,800, including €1,000 for the notary and €800 for legal costs.

This case could well set a precedent and it will make you think twice before leaving a review on Google or on the Internet. As we constantly repeat in the comments, giving a negative opinion is possible as long as it respects French law, which is not the case for defamation.