Google Slapped With 403 Million Euro Fine Over Alleged Location Data Abuses
Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC) has fined Google 403 million euros for its alleged unlawful processing of location data in 2020. The fine is related to a number of GDPR transparency and data processing infringements stemming from Google's 'Web & App Activity', 'Location History', and 'Location Accuracy' features.
The DPC found that these features breached lawfulness and fairness principles, with the location data retention being longer than necessary and deepening the loss of user control. Deputy Commissioner Graham Doyle said that location data can reveal a significant amount of information about an individual, including their habits and personality, and that individuals may not have been aware their location was being used to influence them or infer their interests.
The fine is the latest in the DPC's enforcement work against Big Tech firms, with Google cooperating fully with the inquiry and working closely with regulators and consumer associations across Europe. The company has made product changes to improve user transparency and control over location data since 2020.