Consumer associations from 10 European countries are taking action against Google for alleged breaches of EU data protection law, the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) announced on Thursday 30 June. These associations have either filed complaints with the relevant national authorities or have sent Google a warning letter.
They are criticising the digital giant for steering consumers towards its surveillance system when they create a Google account, instead of offering privacy by design and default, as required by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
“Contrary to what Google claims about protecting consumers’ privacy, tens of millions of Europeans have been placed on a fast track to surveillance when they signed up to a Google account. With one simple step, Google can monitor and exploit everything you do. If you want to benefit from privacy-friendly settings, you have to navigate through a longer process and a mix of unclear and misleading options. In short, when you create a Google account, you are subjected to surveillance by design and by default”, commented BEUC Deputy Director Ursula Pachl.
BEUC believes it is crucial that the competent authorities open investigations and take prompt action. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)