Privacy group requests FTC investigation into Google data tracking practices

The Electronic Privacy Information Center has asked the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate Google data tracking practices. More specifically, EPIC requested the FTC to investigate how the search giant analyzes credit card data to track consumers’ in-store shopping habits and to compel Google to “implement a clear and simple mechanism by which consumers can opt out of Google’s tracking program.”

“EPIC asks the Commission to investigate Google, enjoin its unfair and deceptive business practices, and require Google to protect the privacy of its users,” the complaint reads.

Google has been in the news a lot this year. The European Union fined Google an unprecedented $2.7 billion for violating European competition regulations by favoring its own online services over those of its competitors. The search giant has been under constant criticism for its lack of employment diversity and was recently accused by the Department of Justice of underpaying its female workers. A class action lawsuit has revealed that Google scanned non-users’ emails – non-Gmail users who never consented to Google’s privacy policy – to make a profit. “Do no harm,” indeed. Now antitrust experts are calling for the break-up of digital giants like Google, calling them the new monopolies, and lawmakers are beginning to understand the need to protect consumer privacy across the digital ecosystem. This EPIC request should be further evidence of that need.

Links:

Privacy watchdog asks FTC to investigate Google's offline shopping tracker (The Hill, July 31, 2017)

EPIC Complain, Request for Investigation, Injunction, and Other Relief (EPIC, July 31, 2017)

European Union fines Google $2.7 billion for antitrust violations (Speed Matters, June 29, 2017)

Google faces renewed criticism for lack of diversity (Speed Matters, July 8, 2016)

Google accused of underpaying female workers (Speed Matters, May 31, 2017)

Google scans non-users' emails for profit (Speed Matters, Mar. 17, 2017)

Is data the new oil – and is it time to break-up the new monopolies? (Speed Matters, May 12, 2017)

Democratic Senators Blumenthal, Udall introduce comprehensive online privacy bill (Speed Matters, Apr. 28, 2017)