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EU slams Google over privacy policy
Google has found itself at the centre of a European storm following changes to its on-line privacy policy, with EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding accusing the US search engine and technology giant of 'sneaking' away users' private details.
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In an interview with the Guardian newspaper in the UK, Ms Reding heavily criticised Google for implementing its privacy rules despite requests to delay the project, after many warned the policy may not be lawful. She said: ‘Any company which wants to utilise the European market of 500 million citizens – which we’ve made borderless, a golden opportunity – then the European rules apply.’
French action
The Financial Times has also reported that Ms Reding will back the stance of France’s data protection authority, the CNIL, which has strongly opposed the search-engine company’s policy and plans to lead a Europe-wide inquiry into its legality.
Google’s new rules allow it to use what it has learnt about users, through searches or Gmail, and apply it to other services, such as adverts that a user will see on Google-owned video sharing website YouTube.
Google has rebuffed all criticism so far and claims that it complies with all local laws. The Silicon Valley-based company has also stated that the changes result in a better experience for users, using information to provide more relevant search results
French action
The Financial Times has also reported that Ms Reding will back the stance of France’s data protection authority, the CNIL, which has strongly opposed the search-engine company’s policy and plans to lead a Europe-wide inquiry into its legality.
Google’s new rules allow it to use what it has learnt about users, through searches or Gmail, and apply it to other services, such as adverts that a user will see on Google-owned video sharing website YouTube.
Google has rebuffed all criticism so far and claims that it complies with all local laws. The Silicon Valley-based company has also stated that the changes result in a better experience for users, using information to provide more relevant search results
