Media Coverage
Source: Daily Journal
Media Coverage
12.16.13
Google Inc.’s new consolidated privacy policy is being scrutinized by European governments that believe consumers should have the opportunity to opt-out of the company’s tracking of their online activity. Google argues that having a single policy across more than 70 products makes it easier for users to understand how the company will be using their data.
According to Catherine Meyer, senior counsel in Pillsbury’s Los Angeles office, the main source of consternation in Europe is the lack of informed consent.
Meyer explained that the European Commission requires a company to hold off from tracking a user's activities unless he or she “checks a box” on the company's website giving the company permission to do so. However, in the United States, companies simply have to inform users through a privacy policy that their activities will be tracked if they use the company's products and Web services.
“In the U.S., that's good enough. In Europe that's laughable,” she summarized.