Google Fined Rs 11,740 Crore – Google’s Biggest Privacy Controversy Unfolds!
Google has been ordered to pay Rs 11,740 crore in penalties for illegally tracking users. This decision comes after a long legal battle between Google and the state of Texas, which accused the tech giant of collecting and storing users' location data and facial recognition information without their consent.
The settlement is one of the largest ever imposed on Google for privacy violations, surpassing previous fines paid by the company.
Understanding the Case where Google Fined Rs 11,740 Crore
The lawsuit against Google was filed in 2022 by a Texas attorney, who argued that Google was tracking users without their permission. The case focused on three major privacy concerns:
- Location Tracking – Google allegedly collected users' location data even when they had disabled location services.
- Facial Recognition – The company stored facial recognition data without explicit consent.
- Incognito Mode Tracking – Google was accused of tracking users' search history even when they were using private browsing modes.
The Court's Decision
After years of legal proceedings, the judge ruled in favor of Texas, ordering Google to pay $1.375 billion (Rs 11,740 crore) in penalties. This amount is more than three times the fine Google paid in 2022 to settle similar privacy claims with 40 states.
Google's Response
Google has acknowledged the settlement but maintains that many of the claims are outdated and have already been addressed. A spokesperson for the company stated that Google has made significant changes to its privacy policies and will continue to improve user privacy controls.
Impact on Users
This ruling is a major victory for digital privacy rights. It sends a strong message to tech companies that they cannot misuse user data without consequences. The case also highlights the growing concerns about data security and the need for stricter regulations to protect users from unauthorized tracking.
What’s Next?
With this settlement, Google is expected to revise its privacy policies further and ensure compliance with stricter regulations. The US Justice Department is also pushing for stronger actions against Google, including measures to limit its monopoly in the tech industry.
This case serves as a reminder that users must be aware of how their data is being collected and used. It also emphasizes the importance of privacy laws in holding tech giants accountable for their actions.
