Google faces lawsuit over AI chatbot defamation claims

Technology Nov 18, 2025

Robby Starbuck, a conservative activist, is suing Google, saying its AI chatbots made up damaging stories about him—like linking him to sexual assault and the January 6 Capitol riot.
Starbuck says these false claims were not addressed by Google.

How Google is responding

Google wants the case thrown out. The company argues that Starbuck used AI tools in ways that triggered these fake responses and hasn't shown anyone actually believed the AI's statements.
Google also says there was no "actual malice," which is key for public figure defamation lawsuits.
The legal battle is still ongoing.