Google faces record fine for privacy breach

Google may be forced to pay a $22.5 million fine to resolve allegations that it broke a privacy promise by secretly tracking millions of Web surfers who rely on Apple's Safari browser, according to a person familiar with the matter. While Google disabled the code immediately and claimed that the whole thing had been an accident, the FTC launched an investigation soon after.

"We do set the highest standards of privacy and security for our users," Google said in a statement Tuesday. The company, which is based in Mountain View, Calif., emphasized the tracking technology inserted into the Safari browser didn't collect any personal information.

The FTC's reportedly agreed a penalty with Google of $16,000 per violation per day, adding up to $22.5 million - the highest fine the FTC's ever imposed.

"The FTC fine's impact on Google can't just be measured in dollars," said Jeffrey Chester, executive director of privacy-watchdog group the Center for Digital Democracy. " It sends a strong signal to Google users that the company is still failing to do right by their privacy. If they don't do a better job protecting privacy, it will face larger fines and greater political consequences."

Read more -here-

• US moves to force ByteDance to sell TikTok
• Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses can now play Apple Music
• Apple's AI will work without an Internet connection
• Tesla recalls new Cybertrucks over accelerator hazard
• Comcast rolls out 'Now' prepaid phone and internet plans
• Logitech adds ChatGPT button to hardware