The investigation was prompted by a 2018 Associated Press report that discovered Google continued to track people’s location data even after they opted out of such tracking by disabling a feature called “location history.”
Google has agreed to pay $391.5 million to settle a probe into how the firm monitored users’ movements, state attorneys general revealed on Monday.
The states’ probe was prompted by a 2018 Associated Press report that indicated Google continued to follow people’s location data even after they opted out by removing a function called “location history.”
The attorney generals termed the settlement a historic victory for consumers and the largest multi-state privacy settlement in US history.
It comes at a time when legislators are increasingly outraged and authorities are scrutinizing digital corporations’ privacy and spying practices.
In a statement, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong stated, “This $391.5 million settlement is a historic triumph for consumers in a period of increased dependence on technology.”
“Location data is among the most sensitive and important personal information Google gathers, and there are a variety of reasons why a customer may choose not to be tracked.”
Google, located in Mountain View, California, stated that the issues were resolved some years ago.
“In keeping with recent changes, we have settled this inquiry, which was based on antiquated product policies that we updated years ago,” business spokesperson Jose Castaneda said in a statement.
Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) shares ended the day 0.74% down at $95.70.
