Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) (NASDAQ:GOOG)’s way of using and treating data is not very much acceptable in Italy, and therefore it has been given a notice under which it is required to make the desired changes and modifications within a period of 18 months. The privacy practices of Google are being viewed as inappropriate by the European nation regulators and they wish to reform those after a rigorous investigation on the issue.
What Google needs to do
Last year, 60 privacy policies were consolidated by it into one by Google, under which it combined the data collected on individual users across its services, including YouTube, Gmail and social network Google+, and it left no way of opting out for the users. This provoked the regulators of most of the European countries in setting a joint inquiry on the privacy policy.
A statement was made by the Italian watchdog on Monday stating that even though the disclosure made by Google regarding the way of data usage was in-line to the local law requirements, but was not adequate. Google has been directed of measures that need to be put into practice within a time span of 18 months.
If Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) (NASDAQ:GOOG) needs to use the data for profiling the users, it would first need to take the permission of the user and, also, inform them that the commercial purposes are the reason for doing so. The internet giant were also instructed that in not more than two months the requests by account holders for getting the personal data deleted should be enacted upon. These are the requirements of Rome-based regulator.
If Google fails
For full compliance with the Italian regulator’s decision a roadmap will be designed by Google, which it will present by September end. In case, Google fails to comply with the Italian regulators requirements, it would be posed a fine of about 1 million Euros (a meager part of Google’s total income) and probably certain criminal proceedings, as well, says Reuters citing a source.
“Google has always cooperated with the regulator and would continue to do so” said a Google spokesman. But before Google complies with the regulators requirements, it would conduct a thorough examination of regulator’s decision.
