Abstract:
The Irish Data Protection Commission recently announced that it has fined Google 403 million euros and approximately US$463 million for inappropriate behavior in the way Google handles user location data. Several European consumer groups have previously complained to regulators about Google's violations, mainly involving location data from network and application activities and location history.
Collect user location data for ad serving:
The regulatory agency audited the storage of location data from May 2018 to February 2020. The audit found that Google's network and application activities and the location data processed by location history violated legality and fairness (even after turning off location history, Google will still continue to collect user location data through other products). The lack of transparency in Google Search's location accuracy options violates Google's accountability obligations and rules about how long data is retained.
The network and application activity and location history options are located in the Google Account Center. Users can go to the account center to view recent activities. Google will collect all activity records of most Google products here, including the user's location information.
The location accuracy option is located in Google search. When users use Google search, they often see the Get location option that pops up from Google. Google claims that precise positioning can provide more personalized search results. Of course, location information will actually be used for advertising business.
Fine and require Google to correct the error within a deadline:
Based on the findings of the investigation and the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the regulatory agency decided to fine Google 403 million euros. Google must also adjust its location data processing process within 6 months. If Google fails to complete the rectifications within the specified period, the regulatory agency can continue to implement punitive measures.
Google’s official spokesperson said that this case involves a historical policy that was later updated. Google has implemented automatic deletion control functions since 2019. Users can set the data retention time in the account center, and can also delete activity records in Google products in batches.
Comments