Data Protection Commission fines Google €403M over processing of location data
The Data Protection Commission (DPC) has fined Google Ireland Limited €403 million for infringing GDPR regulations regarding its processing of location data. The inquiry, launched in 2020, found Google failed to process location data lawfully, fairly, and transparently across features like 'Web & App Activity,' 'Location History,' and 'Location Accuracy.'
Why it matters
This significant fine underscores the strict enforcement of data privacy laws like GDPR, impacting how major tech companies handle user data globally and setting precedents for consumer protection.
The Data Protection Commission (DPC) has today announced its final decision following an Inquiry into Google Ireland Limited (“ Google ”). This own-volition Inquiry was launched by the DPC, in its role as the Lead Supervisory Authority for Google, in February 2020, following receipt of complaints from several European consumer rights organisations, including BEUC, regarding Google’s processing of location data in connection with certain services and products.
The scope of the Inquiry concerned Google’s processing of location data in three specific features – “Web & App Activity”, “Location History” and “Location Accuracy” between the date of application of the GDPR, 25 May 2018 to 4 February 2020.
The decision, which was made by the Commissioners for Data Protection, Dr Des Hogan, Mr Dale Sunderland and Ms Niamh Sweeney, finds that Google infringed the GDPR in respect of:
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