According to Telecompaper, Google has changed its privacy policy in the Netherlands to comply with its data protection laws. The Dutch privacy regulator (the "CBP") determined last year that Google combines and uses the personal
data of internet users without first obtaining permission according to its laws. Google acquires personal information about its users when they are logged into Google and from other data sources, such as Internet searches, location data, videos, and emails.
While this is a welcome development, why did the CBP have to threaten Google with a multi-million dollar fine before it agreed to change its privacy policy? Will Google soon change its U.S. privacy policy to actually protect the personal privacy of its users? Since Google led the charge to gut Maryland's student privacy law earlier this year, I doubt it will do so.
The bottom line is that the U.S. FTC and state attorney generals should follow the E.U.'s lead when it comes to protecting our digital privacy. The more data that companies such as Google, Facebook, data brokers, etc... are allowed to collect and utilize the less safe we become since privacy and security are bedrocks of a democratic society.
Troubling practices and antiquated thoughts about data privacy continue to be a national security threat. My hope is that our regulators and elected leaders will soon take the appropriate actions necessary to enforce and update our data privacy laws to better protect us and our children.
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