Google is now accused of using a misleading Android location-tracking setting.
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In this photo illustration, an image of the Google logo is reflected on the eye of a young man on August 09, 2017 in London, England. Founded in 1995 by Sergey Brin and Larry Page.
Because of this, ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) decided to fine the tech giant firm for around $40 million (AUD 60 million).
"The Federal Court has ordered Google LLC to pay $60 million in penalties for making misleading representations to consumers," said ACCC officials via their press release.
They further explained that Google misled its Android users regarding the collection of their sensitive user. Android location details, which lasted between January 2017 and December 2018.
Alleged Misleading Google Android Setting
According to TechCrunch's latest report, Google allegedly breached the Australian Consumer Law after it claimed that the Android "Location History" setting is the only account setting that collects, keeps, and uses identifiable location data of consumers.
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This illustration picture shows Google map application displaying COVID-19 restrictions along your route on a smartphone in Arlington, Virginia on June 9, 2020. - A new version of Google's mapping service being rolled out will display pandemic-related transit alerts.
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However, the investigation of ACCC revealed that another Android setting, the "Web & App Activity," also allows Google to acquire sensitive user location details.
Another thing that makes this situation worse is the default feature setting. This means that the "Web & App Activity" setting is automatically activated without the consent of consumers.
ACCC's Message to Google
ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb explained that the latest fine against Google shows how serious Australia is when it comes to misleading business activities.
She further shared that the penalty imposed by the Court on the search engine provider is a warning to other digital firms not to mislead users when it comes to sensitive user data collection.
Gina added that penalties against misleading data collection activities would apply to both large and small digital businesses, as well as other companies.
As of press time, the security of user data is a big deal for many consumers. This is why government officials always encourage tech firms to allow people to choose what data they can collect from them.
If you want to see further details about the newest issue of Google in Australia, you can click this link.
On the other hand, the new Google Maps realistic 3D views feature has been unveiled.
Meanwhile, the Google Pixel 6a security issues are concerning consumers and experts.
For more news updates about Google and other tech firms, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
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Written by: Griffin Davis
