The Irish Data Protection Commission announced Monday that Google will pay a €403 million (approximately $463 million) fine for breaching the European Union’s strict privacy rules. The regulator said the company failed to process location data in a lawful, fair and transparent manner.
What the investigation uncovered
According to the commission, Google’s handling of location information in several services fell short of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Specifically, the watchdog found problems with:
- Web & App Activity – a setting that records users’ browsing and search history.
- Location History – a feature that maps places visited by a mobile device.
- Location Accuracy – a component of the Android operating system that improves device positioning.
In each case, the commission concluded that Google did not obtain proper consent, nor did it provide clear information about how the data would be used.
Google’s response
Google issued a statement saying the case centers on “historical policies that have since been updated.” The company added that, “From 2019 onwards, we’ve significantly evolved our practices and launched robust tools that make managing location data simple.”
Why the fine matters
Location data is considered personal data under the GDPR because it can reveal an individual’s movements and habits. Deputy Commissioner Graham Doyle noted that while such data can enhance online services, it also carries the risk of exposing private information.
This penalty is the fourth‑largest privacy fine issued by the Irish watchdog, which has previously levied larger fines on TikTok and Meta, including a €1.2 billion sanction against the latter.
Ongoing scrutiny
The commission said three other privacy investigations involving Google remain open. The agency, which serves as the lead regulator for Google across the 27‑nation EU due to the company’s European headquarters in Dublin, began the current probe six years ago, reviewing practices from the GDPR’s start in 2018 through February 2020.
Regulators continue to emphasize that compliance with privacy rules is essential for protecting citizens’ rights in an increasingly data‑driven world.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
