European Union Issues Multi-Hundred-Million Euro Data Fine to Google
Completing an investigation launched upon consumer complaints, the Irish Data Protection Commission has imposed a heavy financial penalty on the tech giant.
The Irish Data Protection Commission has announced that it has fined tech giant Google 403 million euros after determining that the company processed users' location data in violation of European Union rules.
Investigation and Decision Process
The European Union's regulatory body responsible for the protection of personal data has concluded its comprehensive investigation into Google Ireland Limited. Initiated following complaints from various European consumer rights organizations, the review covered the period between May 2018 and February 2020.
Grounds for the Violation
Google failed to prove that it complied with the principles of lawfulness, fairness, and transparency in processing data within web and app activity and location history. The company was penalized for failing to fulfill its transparency obligations regarding this matter.
Statements from Authorities
Irish DPC Deputy Commissioner Graham Doyle stated that users may not be aware that their location information is being used to influence advertisements or to infer their interests. Doyle expressed that retaining data for longer than necessary increases the loss of control.
Deadline Given to the Company
In addition to the financial penalty, the relevant regulatory body demanded that Google bring its data processing activities into full compliance with regulations within six months. Google has not yet issued a response on the matter.