Google fined over £345m for location data privacy breaches

Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC) has fined Google more than €400 million (£345 million) for breaching the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) concerning its processing of location data. The penalty follows a six-year investigation initiated after multiple European consumer rights organizations raised formal complaints regarding the tech giant's user tracking mechanisms. The regulatory probe examined whether Google processed location data lawfully and fairly, as well as its adherence to accountability standards between May 25, 2018, and February 4, 2020. The inquiry focused specifically on features including 'web and app activity,' 'location history,' and 'location accuracy,' finding that users were inadequately informed that their location data was deployed to target advertisements and profile their interests. In addition to the monetary penalty—representing the fourth-largest fine levied by the Irish DPC under GDPR—Google has been ordered to align its data processing practices with regulatory standards within six months. This decision underscores persistent regulatory headwinds facing major technology firms over digital privacy compliance and advertising practices.