The CNIL (French Data Protection Authority) has imposed a historic €325 million fine on Google for new breaches related to cookie management and targeted advertising. The French data protection authority denounced the "negligence" of the American giant, which was already fined in 2020 and 2021 for similar violations.
A heavy and repeated liability
The Commission emphasizes that Google has not respected its obligations regarding user consent, particularly regarding the collection and use of browsing data for advertising purposes. It points out that the company had already been fined several times for these practices, but that no substantial improvement had been observed since. This repeated offense led the CNIL to set an unprecedented fine, intended to hit a player accused of dragging its feet in compliance.
A warning for the entire digital sector
The case illustrates European regulators' desire to toughen their stance against digital giants that are repeatedly flouting privacy rules. The CNIL believes that users must be able to exercise genuine choice and that companies have an obligation to make this process clear, fair, and transparent. With this conviction, Google is once again being ordered to adapt its practices or face additional sanctions. The message is clear: the authorities' patience with the platforms' delays and delaying tactics has run out.
