EU Fines Google $463 Million Over Location Data Mishandling

Google has been hit with a massive fine of $463 million by the European Union's data privacy watchdog for breaching strict location data rules. The fine, which amounts to 403 million euros, is one of the largest issued by Ireland's Data Protection Commission since it took effect in 2018.

The investigation found that Google mishandled users' location data through its Web & App Activity setting and Location History service, which maps places visited using mobile phones. Regulators also discovered that the company failed to be transparent when processing personal data in its Location Accuracy feature on Android devices.

The case centers around historical policies that have since been updated, according to Google, which stated that it has 'significantly evolved' its practices and launched new tools to manage location data since 2019.