yahoo news | Epstein survivors sue government, Google over release of personal info
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yahoo news | Epstein survivors sue government, Google over release of personal info
A group of Jeffrey Epstein survivors has filed a class‑action lawsuit in federal court in California accusing the Trump administration and Google of illegally disclosing their personal information. The suit alleges that the Justice Department’s release of more than three million pages of “Epstein Files” – mandated by the 2023 Epstein Files Transparency Act – included unredacted names, phone numbers, birthdates and photos of nearly 100 victims. Although the department later removed the most sensitive files, the plaintiffs claim Google and other online platforms republished the data and ignored repeated removal requests, exposing them to continued harassment, threats and renewed trauma.
According to the complaint, the Justice Department initially posted the records in late 2025 and early 2026, revealing videos, court documents, FBI files, emails, text messages and news clippings that also mentioned high‑profile figures such as former President Donald Trump, former President Bill Clinton, Prince Andrew, Elon Musk and Bill Gates. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the department reviewed roughly six million pages and released about half, withholding material that contained survivors’ identifying details. The survivors argue that the government’s “release‑now, retract‑later” approach prioritized speed over victim safety and made the unlawful disclosure of personal data inevitable.
The plaintiffs are seeking at least $1,000 per class member from the government and an unspecified amount of damages from Google. They contend that, despite the Justice Department’s acknowledgment that unredacted documents remain publicly accessible on sites hosted by Google, the government has taken no action to compel their removal. The lawsuit highlights the ongoing harm caused to Epstein’s victims by the continued availability of their private information online.
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