Google announced last week that it would change its privacy policies for many of its online products, combining more than 60 different privacy policies into one single policy.
Google came under a bit of criticism after the announcement, and they then published some information explaining how the changes would work, but now it would appear that the European regulators have asked Google to put these changes on hold.
The European regulators have formally requested that Google pauses its roll out of these changes in order to give them more time to investigate the changes.
Details of the Privacy Policy Changes
The changes to Google’s privacy policies are designed to streamline and simplify the user experience by consolidating over 60 different privacy policies into one comprehensive document. This unified policy aims to make it easier for users to understand how their data is being used across various Google services, such as Gmail, YouTube, and Google Search. By having a single policy, Google hopes to provide more transparency and clarity to its users.
However, the announcement has raised concerns among privacy advocates and regulators. Critics argue that the new policy could potentially allow Google to collect more data about users and use it in ways that were not previously disclosed. This has led to fears about the extent of data sharing between different Google services and the implications for user privacy.
European Regulators’ Concerns
The European regulators’ request for Google to delay the implementation of the new privacy policy stems from these concerns. They want to ensure that the changes comply with European data protection laws, which are among the strictest in the world. The regulators are particularly interested in understanding how the new policy will affect user consent and data sharing practices.
The changes to Google’s privacy policies are scheduled to come into force on the 1st of March 2012. However, it remains unclear whether this will still happen in Europe, given the regulators’ request. Google has yet to confirm whether they will comply with the request from the EU, as it is just a request at the moment.
In response to the criticism, Google has emphasized that the new policy does not change the privacy controls available to users. They have assured users that they will still have the ability to manage their privacy settings and control how their data is used. Google has also stated that the new policy will not result in the collection of any additional data beyond what is already being collected.
Despite these assurances, the European regulators remain cautious. They have indicated that they need more time to thoroughly review the new policy and its implications. This review process is expected to involve consultations with data protection authorities from various European countries.
The outcome of this review could have significant implications for Google and its users in Europe. If the regulators find that the new policy does not comply with European data protection laws, Google may be required to make further changes to the policy or face potential legal action.
In the meantime, users are advised to stay informed about the changes and review their privacy settings to ensure that they are comfortable with how their data is being used. It is also important for users to be aware of their rights under data protection laws and to take steps to protect their privacy online.
Source Engadget
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
