Emi Briggs
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-21499190
http://epic.org/2013/02/europe-prepares-action-against.html
http://mashable.com/2012/01/24/google-changes-again-launches-one-
privacy-policy-to-rule-them-all/
http://ftc.gov/opa/2012/08/google.shtm
On January 2012 Google launched a new master privacy policy that created an umbrella policy to cover its various products. Shortly after, 26 European countries requested Google address aspects of its policy deemed to be contrary to EU Law. After receiving what it deemed to be inadequate response from Google, the French Data Protection Commissioner, acting on behalf of the European Union will be taking action against Google.
In light of our recent lecture with Microsoft executive Brad Smith, I felt news on Microsoft’s major competitor, Google, would be particularly relevant. Furthermore, this investigation highlights the difference between the US and European models of privacy regulation. The Federal Trade Commission has also investigated Google recently for alleged antitrust violations and settled with the company for violating the privacy of Safari users. However, it is yet to raise issues concerning the master privacy policy the EU is now contesting.