Why is Google in trouble in 6 European nations?

April 03, 2013 01:39

Google could face fines from six European countries' privacy regulators, including the UK and Germany, after refusing to reverse changes to its privacy policies made in March 2012.

The search company has infuriated the regulators by declining to respond to their demands made over multiple months -- even as research shows that user concerns about online privacy are high.

France's privacy body, CNIL, together with its counterparts in the UK, Netherlands, German, Spain and Italy, said on Tuesday they will take joint legal action involving an investigation and possible fines. The UK's information commissioner's office (ICO) can levy fines of up to 500,000 Pound for breaches of the Data Protection Act. A decision is expected by summer 2013. CNIL could fine it up to Euro 300,000 (255,000 Pound ).

However, even both fines added together would be less than Google generates in sales in 10 minutes. Yet the regulators could sue to block Google from operating in Europe -- a move that would be highly damaging to its reputation.

Google's rival Facebook has been forced in the past to make a number of changes to its operation to comply with Europe's data protection laws, which are significantly tougher -- but more fragmented -- than those in the US.

TOP STORIES

Leicester back in Premier League as Leeds humbled at QPR

Leicester City earned promotion back to the Premier League on Friday after nearest rivals Leeds United were beaten 4-0 by Queens Park Rangers, ensuring the Championship leaders will finish in the top two in the standings.

Salman home shooting: Lookout circular against gangster Bishnoi's brother

The police are also likely to take custody of Lawrence Bishnoi, who is currently lodged in a jail in Gujarat's Sabarmati, and was also contemplating invoking the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act in the case, he said.

India men, women win compound Archery World Cup gold

The team of Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Aditi Gopichand Swami and Parneet Kaur, who qualified as top seed, dropped just four points from 24 arrows to down the sixth seeds by a handsome margin and open their account in the season-opening...

Tiger! Tiger! Swimming Deep!

A tiger decided to beat the heat at Mumbai's zoo.

Bairstow Rewrites The Record Books!

This wasn't just a win; it was a statement of intent from Bairstow. He single-handedly guided Punjab Kings to victory, firmly establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in the IPL. His redemption on that Friday night was...