Google Challenged Over Location Tracking

Google has been accused of flouting European data protection laws when it tracks users' locations. Seven European consumer groups filed complaints against Google with national regulators Tuesday 27th November, accusing the internet giant of covertly tracking users' movements in violation of an EU regulation on data protection.

The complaints cited a study by the Norwegian Consumer Council that concluded the Internet giant used "deceptive design and misleading information, which results in users accepting to be constantly tracked."

Council official Gro Mette Moen charged that "Google uses extremely detailed and comprehensive personal data without an appropriate judicial basis, and the data is acquired by means of manipulative techniques." Complaints against Google were filed in the Czech Republic, Greece, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovenia and Sweden.

They are based on the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which took effect in May. 

Google is accused of tracking users' movements via its Location History and Web & App Activity applications, which are built into all Google accounts.

"For users of mobile phones with Android (operating systems), such as Samsung and Huawei phones, this tracking is particularly difficult to avoid," the Norwegian council noted.
According to the internet site Statcounter, almost 70 percent of European mobile phones run on the Android system.

"Location data can reveal a lot about a person: real time movements, frequently visited places, daily routines, interests, etc," the Norwegian complaint said.

"Constant location tracking and aggregation of location data over time can be used to build very detailed profiles of individuals and to infer religious beliefs, political leanings, and sexual orientation, among other things," it added.

Monique Goyens, director general of The European Consumer Organisation said: "Google's data hunger is notorious but the scale with which it deceives its users to track and monetise their every move is breathtaking. 

"The situation is more than alarming. Smartphones are being used for spying on our every move."

The Dutch organisation Consumentenbond insisted that "this tracking must stop." Google responded by saying that "Location History is turned off by default, and you can edit, delete, or pause it at any time. If it's on, it helps improve services like predicted traffic on your commute.

"If you pause it, we make clear that, depending on your individual phone and app settings, we might still collect and use location data to improve your Google experience." 

NDTV:       BBC

You Might Also Read: 

GDPR Alert As Average ICO Fines Double In A Year:

GDPR Survey Shows 80% Non-Compliance:
 

 

« Uber Fined By Regulators In Britain & The Netherlands
Facebook's Sheryl Sandberg Is 'Tainted' By Crises »

CyberSecurity Jobsite
Perimeter 81

Directory of Suppliers

Jooble

Jooble

Jooble is a job search aggregator operating in 71 countries worldwide. We simplify the job search process by displaying active job ads from major job boards and career sites across the internet.

CYRIN

CYRIN

CYRIN® Cyber Range. Real Tools, Real Attacks, Real Scenarios. See why leading educational institutions and companies in the U.S. have begun to adopt the CYRIN® system.

NordLayer

NordLayer

NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses — from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security. 

ZenGRC

ZenGRC

ZenGRC - the first, easy-to-use, enterprise-grade information security solution for compliance and risk management - offers businesses efficient control tracking, testing, and enforcement.

Alvacomm

Alvacomm

Alvacomm offers holistic VIP cybersecurity services, providing comprehensive protection against cyber threats. Our solutions include risk assessment, threat detection, incident response.

Secunet Security Networks

Secunet Security Networks

Secunet is a leading cyber security company offering a combination of consultancy and products, delivering the highest level of security for data, applications and digital identities.

Academic Centres of Excellence in Cyber Security Research

Academic Centres of Excellence in Cyber Security Research

The ACE-CSRs scheme is part of the UK Government’s National Cyber Security Strategy, working with academia and industry to make the UK more resilient to cyber attacks.

BSA - The Software Alliance

BSA - The Software Alliance

BSA is the leading advocate for the global software industry before governments and in the international marketplace.

Genua

Genua

Genua is a specialist in IT security services and solutions ranging from network and infrastructure security to encrypted comms and industrial automation.

Trust in Digital Life (TDL)

Trust in Digital Life (TDL)

TDL is a membership association comprising companies, SMEs, universities and research institutes who exchange experience and insights to make digital services in Europe trustworthy and safe.

CounterCraft

CounterCraft

The CounterCraft Cyber Deception Platform fits seamlessly into existing security strategies and delivers high-end deception for threat hunting and threat detection.

Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS)

Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS)

Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the recruitment, retention and advancement of women in the cybersecurity field.

u-blox

u-blox

u-blox deliver leading wireless technology to reliably and securely locate and connect people and devices.

SIS Certifications (SIS CERT)

SIS Certifications (SIS CERT)

SIS Certifications is an ISO certification body serving more than 10,000 clients in over 15 countries worldwide.

Ukrainian Special Systems (USS)

Ukrainian Special Systems (USS)

Ukrainian Special Systems (USS) is a state-owned commercial enterprise providing confidential communication, trust services and services in the field of information protection.

SafeCipher

SafeCipher

SafeCypher are crypto specialists with a very specialized knowledge of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), Hardware Security Modules (HSM), Quantum Resistant Cryptography and Crypto-Agility.

KeyData Associates

KeyData Associates

KeyData is a recognized leader in cybersecurity services specializing in Identity and Access Management (IAM), Customer Identity & Access Management (CIAM) and Privileged Access Management (PAM).

ConnectSecure

ConnectSecure

ConnectSecure (formerly CyberCNS) is a global cybersecurity company that delivers tools to identify and address vulnerabilities and manage compliance requirements.

First Focus

First Focus

First Focus is a managed service provider for medium-sized organisations.

Iron Mountain

Iron Mountain

Iron Mountain Incorporated is a global business dedicated to storing, protecting and managing, information and assets.

Qi An Xin (QAX)

Qi An Xin (QAX)

QAX is a listed company based in China, and a leader in cybersecurity industry, providing new generation enterprise-level and national-level cybersecurity solutions.