Google was fined again! This time was the Australian Federal Court.

Recently, the latest judgment issued by the Australian Federal Court showed that Google was fined $ 60 million for violation of consumer law, or about 288 million yuan.

Specifically, from January 2017 to December 2018, Google showed users "misleading" information, collecting, storing and using the location information of about 1.3 million Google users in Australia in violation of regulations. On December 20, 2018, Google has completed the rectification.

　　Google illegally collects user location information

The court judgment showed that from January 2017 to December 2018, Google had "deceived" Android users to obtain its geographical location.

Specifically, during this period, the Google application settings of some Android users contain a "historical location" settings that determine whether Google "collects, stores and use user location information". Therefore, from the user's opinion, once the setting is closed, Google will not be able to collect the user's location information.

But in fact, Google also has another "network and application activity" settings, which allows Google to "collect, store and use user location information", and the setting item is the default opening state.

In other words, Google settings the "historical location" settings displayed by some Android users, which are similar.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Council (ACCC) & nbsp; Chairman Gina Cass-Gottlieb said that "the misleading users will not think that allowing the tracking of network and application activities means allowing Google to use its historical location data."

Google took remedial measures. In a statement, Google stated that all violations had been resolved before December 20, 2018.

　　About 1.3 million Google users are affected

According to ACCC estimates, Google's "deception" behavior affects about 1.3 million Google users.

Gina Cass-Gottlieb said that the court's judgment is a warning to other companies and digital platforms: in terms of consumer information collection, platforms and enterprises must not be misleaded.

"For consumers, personal location data is sensitive and important. If Google does not make misleading statements, consumers may make different choices," Gina Cass-Gottlieb added.

In addition, Gina Cass-Gottlieb reiterates that "enterprises should openly show the collection, storage and use of their user information publicly and transparently so that consumers can decide how to deal with their own data."

The Australian Federal Court issued orders at the same time, requiring Google to ensure legal compliance with its policy and strengthen employee training.