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EU Slaps Google with Record-Breaking Fine Over Location Data Use
The European Union has fined Google $462 million for improperly using users' location data. The fine was handed down by Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC), which is responsible for applying the EU's rules on data protection issues.
The DPC said that between May 2018 and February 2020, Google infringed the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) regarding the lawfulness and fairness of its processing of location data. This allowed individuals to be influenced by targeted ads without their knowledge.
The regulator added that the retention of users' location data for longer than necessary further exacerbated this loss of control. Google was ordered to bring its processing into compliance within six months.