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European consumer protection agencies announced Tuesday that they would file a lawsuit against Google for alleged violation of the European Data Protection Act, monitoring the movement of users without their consent, thanks to features such as " location history "and" web activity and apps ".
Consumer groups in the Czech Republic, Denmark, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovenia and Sweden have stated that they will lodge a complaint with protection of the data of their respective countries, which is a basic procedure under the GDPR.
The Norwegian consumer group Forbrukerradet tweeted a video explaining Google's practices, claiming that the tech giant "manipulates you to agree to be followed step by step".
"These unfair practices leave consumers in the dark as to the use of their personal data," said the European Consumer Organization in a statement. "They do not give consumers a real choice other than to provide their location data, which is then used by the company for a variety of purposes, including targeted advertising."
Read more: Europe seeks its platform in the digital era
"Improve your Google experience"
But Google rejected the allegations. A spokesman for the company told the Reuters news agency that "the location history" is disabled "by default". He added that users can decide to modify, delete or suspend its use at any time.
"If you suspend it, we specify that, depending on your phone and application settings, we will still be able to collect and use location data to improve your Google experience," said the spokesperson.
Google has always affirmed its commitment to the GDPR, claiming that its services were in compliance with EU regulations.
Read more: Google employees organize a global women's rights parade
"Forced consent"
The General Data Protection Regulation, formerly known as the EU General Regulation, came into force on May 25, 2018. But this is not the first time that Google is the target of complaints related to generic reports.
On the first day of enforcement, the Austrian digital rights group Noyb filed a lawsuit against Google's Android application for what he termed "forced consent". Instead of letting users feel free to make a decision regarding the data privacy policy of a service, "the opposite feeling is spreading across the screens" users, argued the group.
Under the GDPR, an entity such as Google may be fined up to 4% of global business for violation.
Read more: How Google envisions the future of journalism
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Fighting for the Internet: Social Media, Governments and Technology Companies
Freedom of expression or illegal content?
Whether it is hate speech, propaganda or activism, governments around the world have stepped up their efforts to prevent content deemed illegal to circulate on social networks. Whether it's lengthy lawsuits or blanket bans, DW looks at how some countries are trying to stop the flow of illegal content, while others are trying to regulate the media social.
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Fighting for the Internet: Social Media, Governments and Technology Companies
Social Media Act
After a public debate in Germany, a new law on social media came into effect in October. The law imposes heavy fines on social media companies, such as Facebook, for failing to remove hate speech publications. Facebook and other social media companies have complained about the law, saying that strict rules could lead to unnecessary censorship.
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Fighting for the Internet: Social Media, Governments and Technology Companies
Right to be forgotten
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Fighting for the Internet: Social Media, Governments and Technology Companies
General prohibition
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Fighting for the Internet: Social Media, Governments and Technology Companies
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Fighting for the Internet: Social Media, Governments and Technology Companies
settlement
In China, the use of social media is heavily regulated by the government. Beijing has effectively blocked access to thousands of websites and platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. Instead, China offers its citizens access to local social media platforms, such as Weibo and WeChat, which have hundreds of millions of monthly users.
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Fighting for the Internet: Social Media, Governments and Technology Companies
Twitter bans accounts related to Russia
Many politicians and media attribute Russia's influence to Donald Trump's victory in the 2016 elections. Moscow reportedly used Facebook, Twitter, Google and Instagram to influence public opinion on key issues. In October 2017, Twitter suspended more than 2,750 accounts due to alleged Russian propaganda. The platform also banned the commercials of RT (formerly Russia Today) and the Sputnik news agency.
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Fighting for the Internet: Social Media, Governments and Technology Companies
Facebook announces a tool related to propaganda
While social media was under pressure to allow alleged interference in Russia, Facebook announced a new project to combat these efforts in November 2017. The next page will allow users to check whether they have "liked" or they've followed an alleged propaganda account on Facebook or Instagram. In the meantime, Facebook has been criticized for not protecting users' data as a result of the Cambridge Analytica scandal.
Author: Lewis Sanders IV (dj)
ls / es (Reuters, dpa)
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