Following a seven-month investigation, the Dutch Data Protection Authority (DPA) has asked Google to attend a meeting to discuss its concerns, which relate to the way Google handles user data across its services.
The DPA explained in its report that Google
utilises customer data from one service and applies it to another, and
does not clearly enough explain to users how it does so. "Google does
not adequately inform users about the combining of their personal data
from all these different services," a DPA statement read.
"On top of that, Google does not offer users any
(prior) options to consent to or reject the examined data processing
activities. The consent, required by law, for the combining of personal
data from different Google services cannot be obtained by accepting
general (privacy) terms of service."
In a statement seen by Reuters,
Google responded: "Our privacy policy respects European law and allows
us to create simpler, more effective services. We have engaged fully
with the Dutch DPA throughout this process and will continue to do so
going forward."
Google has found itself in hot water with data
protection authorities before, most recently with its Gmail service. In a
court filing following complaints from US rights group Consumer
Watchdog about the firm's use of advertising based on the contents of
users' emails, Google said users should not expect total email privacy.
"Just as a sender of a letter to a business
colleague cannot be surprised that the recipient's assistant opens the
letter, people who use web-based email today cannot be surprised if
their emails are processed by the recipient's [email provider] in the
course of delivery," the statement said.
Microsoft, meanwhile, has turned to poking fun
at Google and its perceived privacy failings with its "Scroogled"
campaign. The firm produces regular videos on the topic and has even
created a range of Scroogled merchandise in time for Christmas.
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