Google Slammed with €403 Million Fine for Location Data Violations
The Irish Data Protection Commission has fined Google €403 million for violating EU regulations on personal data processing. The fine, one of the largest in European history, follows a three-year investigation into Google's handling of user location data.
The commission found that Google's features, including 'Web & App Activity' and 'Location History', did not provide sufficient transparency to users about how their location data was being used. This may have allowed Google to use the data for personalized advertising without users' knowledge or consent.
Graham Doyle, deputy commissioner at the Data Protection Commission, stated that the shortcomings in Google's practices may have resulted in users losing control over their personal data.
The fine is part of a larger trend of regulatory action against major tech companies. In July, the European Commission fined Google nearly €890 million for violating the EU's Digital Markets Act.