Google Slapped with €403M Fine Over Location Data Handling

The Data Protection Commission (DPC) in Ireland has fined Google €403 million for violating European privacy rules. The issue revolves around how Google handles location data from web and app activities, as well as users' location history.

According to the DPC, Google's processing of personal data breaches the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which requires that processing be 'lawful', 'fair', and 'transparent'. Deputy commissioner Graham Doyle explained that due to Google's shortcomings in this area, people may not have been aware that their location was being used to influence them through advertisements.

The fine is the third-largest ever imposed by the DPC. Google has six months to bring its processing of geolocation data into compliance with European regulations.