Google has been accused of breaching European data protection laws over its tracking of users.  

Seven consumer organisations have collaborated and signalled their intention to file complaints with regulators over the firm’s location tracking.  

The complaints are based on research compiled by one organisation in the coalition, which alleges users are “forced” to use the location tracking system.  

Deceptive Practices

A statement released by the coalition accuses Google of using “deceptive practices” to ensure people turn on its various tracking systems.  

For this reason, the consumer groups claims, consent was not expressly given by users. Google also fails to provide “straightforward information” about what data consent entails, the coalition alleges.

Location data could provide detailed insights into a users lifestyle, including religious beliefs, sexual orientation, political activities and health information, the statement read.  

“These unfair practices leave consumers in the dark about the use of their personal data,” according to BEUC, which speaks on behalf of the consumer groups. 

The BEUC is an umbrella group that represents and lobbies for consumer groups in Brussels.  

Organisations in a host of European countries, including Norway, Greece, Sweden and Poland intend to file complaints with their respective local regulators under GDPR.  

Google Responds 

Google has responded to the allegations made by the coalition, stating: “Location history is turned off by default and you can edit, delete, or pause it at any time.”

The tech firm added: “We’re constantly working to improve our controls and we’ll be reading this report closely to see if there are things we can take on board.”

In August, an investigation by the Associated Press revealed that, even with location history paused, some apps by Google still automatically store location data.  

At the time of the exposé, Google said it was being perfectly clear and upfront with users of its products. 

A spokesperson for the company told AP: “There are a number of different ways that Google may use location to improve people’s experience, including Location History, Web and App Activity, and through device-level Location Services.”