Italy investigates Google over personal data practices

Italy’s antitrust agency announced on Thursday it had opened an investigation into internet search giant Google and its parent company Alphabet over alleged unfair trade practices involving users’ personal data.

The watchdog said Google’s request for consent to use its many services could constitute a “misleading and aggressive commercial practice.” It noted that the information provided to users was “incomplete and misleading” and did not explain the impact of their consent on the use of personal data.

Google offers a wide range of online tools, including YouTube, Gmail and Maps. The antitrust watchdog said Google presents its consent request in a way that could limit user choice by forcing users to consent to combined data uses across Google services.

A Google spokesman declined to comment. Italian law states that companies that violate consumer rights can be fined between €5,000 and €10 million.

(Based on information from the agency.)