EU Slaps €403M Fine on Google for Location Data Breach

Google has been slapped with a €403 million fine for breaching EU location data rules. The penalty, equivalent to approximately $463 million, is one of the largest issued by Ireland's Data Protection Commission.

The investigation, which began six years ago, focused on Google's handling of users' location data from 2018 until February 2020. Regulators found that the company did not lawfully or fairly process location data in its Web & App Activity and Location History features.

Google also failed to be transparent when processing personal data in its Location Accuracy feature for Android devices.

The Irish watchdog emphasized that location data can reveal sensitive information about individuals, including their private lives. Deputy Commissioner Graham Doyle stated, 'Location data can bring both benefits and harms to individuals.'