Google fined for location tracking

Ireland's Data Protection Commission fined Google more than four hundred million euros over how it processed users' location data on mobile phones.

What location data reveals

Research by Norway's consumer agency in two thousand eighteen showed location tracking can expose religious beliefs, political views, health conditions and sexual orientation.

Users unaware of tracking use

The DPC found Google users could have been unaware their location was used to target adverts, infer interests, or gather health details without clear consent.

“Location data can reveal a significant amount of information about an individual, including information that is inherently private.”

Seven organisations filed complaints

Multiple European consumer organisations complained that Google was following every step users took and using location data in ways that breached privacy.

Google says practices have changed

Google responded that the fine concerns historical policies updated since two thousand nineteen, when it launched tools making location data management simpler.

“From 2019 onwards, we've significantly evolved our practices and launched robust tools that make managing location data simple.”

Enforcement took six years

The DPC launched its inquiry six years ago. The European Consumer Organisation said the time taken was disproportionate to the seriousness of the infringement.

“Late enforcement can be as harmful as no enforcement at all.”

Google must comply within six months

The DPC imposed a fine of four hundred three million euros and ordered Google to bring its processing into compliance with GDPR within six months.