GDPR Fines Hit Google with €403 Million Location Data Penalty
Google has been hit with a massive €403 million fine for violating GDPR regulations. The penalty stems from an investigation into Google Ireland's handling of user data, specifically location information.
The inquiry, launched by Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC) in 2020, focused on the company's processing of location data between May 2018 and February 2020. During this time, the DPC assessed whether Google's practices were lawful, fair, and transparent under GDPR.
According to Deputy Commissioner Graham Doyle, Google failed to comply with Irish inquiry requirements, resulting in individuals being unaware that their location was used for targeted advertising or inferred interests. Additionally, users lost control over their personal data due to the retention of location information for longer than necessary.