James Delahunty
29 Nov 2013 14:39
Google's policy of combining personal data from its multiple online services violated Dutch data protection laws.
The Dutch Data Protection Authority (DPA) finds that the way in which Google pools users' data across its multiple services - such as GMail and YouTube - violates Dutch laws concerning data protection.
Ever since Google revamped its privacy policies in this way last year, many entities across Europe have been up in arms. Lawmakers and privacy advocates alike are concerned about individuals losing control of their personal information and how it is used, as much of it is stored outside of Europe.
In addition, the revelations about the scope of U.S. spying has raised even more concerns about data held by U.S. firms on European citizens.
"Google spins an invisible web of our personal data, without consent," said Jacob Kohnstamm, the chairman of the DPA. "That is forbidden by law."
Google feels that its privacy policy is in line with European laws and said it has cooperated with the Dutch group, and will continue to do so.
"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 said.