FTC reportedly set to fine Google "tens of millions" for bypassing Safari privacy settings
In February, Google was fingered in an investigation by the Wall Street Journal for using false code to intentionally circumvent users' privacy settings via a phony invisible form submission.
The trick make it appear to the browser that the user had initiated a request, rather than just being a way for Google to install a tracking cookie so it could gain access to tracking users.
Google defended its actions at the time, saying "Itâs important to stress that these advertising cookies do not collect personal information," but it also immediately stopped using the tracking code to circumvent Safari's privacy settings after the report became public.
According to a report by Bloomberg citing a "person familiar with the matter," the FTC's fine "could amount to tens of millions of dollars."
The report stated that the FTC is "preparing to allege" that Google not only deceived consumers but also "violated terms of a consent decree signed with the commission last year."
The talks between the government and Google are being kept confidential, apparently in a bid to protect the privacy of the search giant.
39 Comments
There is a very painful irony to this statement.
I believe you have a typo in your title for this artice, the title references the FCC yet the article is actually about the FTC.
Back in the early 2000s computer experts were warning people to turn off Javascript because it was too powerful and could potentially compromise their security. Now days it is the foundation of the entire web 2.0 trend and essential to the proper functioning of almost every website, yet, the same problem still exists, it is too invasive and can potentially harm users.
I believe you have a typo in your title for this artice, the title references the FCC yet the article is actually about the FTC.
Ummm, friendly warning......get used to it. Proofreading is not a paramount concern to the authors of the articles.
I believe you have a typo in your title for this artice, the title references the FCC yet the article is actually about the FTC.
US Federal Trade Commission