A group of survivors connected to Jeffrey Epstein filed a class-action lawsuit Thursday against the Justice Department and Google, claiming sensitive personal information was disclosed in government-released records and remains accessible online.

The lawsuit alleges that the United States Department of Justice prioritized speed over privacy when releasing documents tied to Epstein, resulting in the exposure of identifying details for roughly 100 survivors. Plaintiffs argue the decision caused lasting harm, as the information spread across the internet before it could be removed.

“The United States, acting through the DOJ, made a deliberate policy choice to prioritize rapid, large-volume disclosure over protection of Epstein survivors’ privacy,” the complaint states. It further alleges the department “outed approximately 100 survivors,” making their identities publicly accessible.

Although the Justice Department later removed documents containing identifying details, the lawsuit contends that the damage had already been done. According to the complaint, personal information continues to circulate online through search results and automated content, despite efforts by victims to have it taken down.

The plaintiffs specifically accuse Google of failing to remove the material, arguing the company has the technical capability to do so but has not acted. The lawsuit claims that continued visibility of the information has led to harassment, threats, and renewed trauma for survivors.

“Survivors now face renewed trauma. Strangers call them, email them, threaten their physical safety, and accuse them of conspiring with Epstein,” the complaint states.

In a February letter to federal judges, U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said the Justice Department had begun removing documents that may have included victim-identifying information, citing both technical and human error. He added that officials worked extensively to take down thousands of files and were reviewing procedures to prevent similar incidents.

The department said its actions were carried out while complying with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandates the release of records related to the case. Officials also noted that internal processes are being updated as needed.

The plaintiffs are seeking at least $1,000 in damages per survivor from the Justice Department, along with punitive damages against Google. They are also asking the court to compel the company to remove all remaining identifying information from its platforms.

Attorneys for the survivors argue that the case highlights the risks of large-scale data releases without sufficient safeguards. “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,” said attorney Julie Erickson.

The case is likely to intensify scrutiny over how government agencies handle sensitive records and how technology companies respond when harmful information spreads online.