Google Slapped with Record £345M Fine Over Location Data Misuse

Ireland's Data Protection Commission has fined Google over £345 million for violating the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) related to location data processing.

The investigation, launched six years ago following complaints from European consumer rights organizations, examined whether Google processed location data lawfully and fairly. The regulator focused on features such as 'web and app activity', 'location history', and 'location accuracy' between May 25, 2018, and February 4, 2020.

The commission determined that users may not have been aware of their location information being used for targeted advertising or to determine their interests. Google has been ordered to bring its data processing practices into compliance within six months.