Google is being sued by the ACCC over allegedly misleading consumers about collection and use of location data.
It is clear that data privacy and ensuring consumers understand exactly how their data will be collected and treated is an incredibly important issue.
That being said, the details of the allegations do not seem particularly compelling as most of the statements produced by Google still seem to identify which apps and websites would continue to interact and collect data.
It will be interesting to see how this plays out with the biggest global internet service being taken on by Australia’s consumer watchdog.
As data collection and privacy becomes increasingly important in today’s society, a comprehensive review into privacy legislation similar to what the EU has undertaken with the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR) may be needed in Australia, rather than potentially looked at through the “backdoor” of broader consumer legislation.
We will continue to follow closely. To read ACCC’s full report click here.
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