European Union fines Google 403 million Euros for data violations - Milliyet

Milliyet AppUygulamayı AçWebWeb'de Devam Et ENEuropean Union fines Google 403 million Euros for data violationsNewsEuropean Union Fines Google 403 Million Euros For Data ViolationsEuropean Union fines Google 403 million Euros for data violations21.09.2026 - 18:05 | Last Updated: 21.09.2026 - 18:06

The European Union’s regulatory body responsible for the protection of personal data has issued a significant ruling against Google. The body imposed a fine on Google after determining that the company processed users’ location data in violation of the EU’s data protection rules.The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC), which is responsible for personal data protection in the EU, announced its final decision regarding its investigation into Google Ireland Limited.

Accordingly, following complaints from various European consumer rights organizations, an investigation covering the period from May 25, 2018, to February 4, 2020, concluded with a decision to fine Google 403 million euros on the grounds that it processed users’ location data in violation of EU rules.

Google was unable to demonstrate compliance with the principles of lawfulness, fairness, and transparency regarding the processing of personal data in “web and app activity” and “location history,” its failure to demonstrate compliance with the principles of lawfulness, fairness, and transparency regarding the processing of personal data in “location accuracy,” and its failure to meet transparency obligations regarding all three of these aspects.

Ireland’s DPC has demanded that Google bring its data processing activities into compliance with the law within six months. DPC Deputy Chair Graham Doyle stated that, due to shortcomings in Google’s practices, users may not be aware that their location information is being used to influence advertisements or identify their interests.

Doyle also noted that retaining location data for longer than necessary further erodes users’ control over their data. In addition to the fine, Google was given six months to bring its processing of location data into compliance with EU rules. Google has not yet responded to a request for comment on the matter.

As Google’s European headquarters is located in Ireland, the Irish DPC serves as the primary supervisory authority for the company’s personal data processing activities within the EU.