Google is subscribing to a 'fast tracking track', say consumer groups

 Google is subscribing to a 'fast tracking track', say consumer groups.

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Google Search is displayed on a smartphone against the background of the Google logo Google is facing a move from the Ten European Consumers' Union regarding the process of registering a company account. A Google Account is essential for using a number of its products and services. But the federation says the registration process directs users to options that collect additional data. Google has told the BBC it welcomes the opportunity to contact consumer advocates on this topic. The company said consumer confidence depends on reliability and transparency and “jeopardizes our future success in building simple, easily accessible controls and giving people clear choices. Automatic privacy The European Consumer Organization (BEUC), which co-ordinates the federation, says the language used by Google in the registration process is "vague, incomplete, and misleading" which leads many consumers to choose options that are not conducive to privacy. As a result "tens of millions of Europeans have been placed in an emergency situation when they sign up for a Google Account" BEUC claims. Consumer Association believes registration is an important point when Google asks users to choose how their account will work. But one of the simplest steps, the "self-explanatory process", suspects that it leaves consumers and account settings "supplying Google monitoring functions". And consumer organization says Google does not give users the option to turn off all settings with a single click. Instead, BEUC says, it takes five clicks and ten steps to close the trackers Google wants to use for a new account - these are related to web and app activity, YouTube history and personal advertising on their account. The deputy director general of BEUC, Ursula Pachl, said: "It only takes one easy step to allow Google to track and profit from everything you do. Vague and misleading options. The story continues Ms. Pachl added: "In short, when you create a Google Account, you are protected by design and automation. Instead, privacy protection should be the default and most convenient choice for consumers." The EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) needs forums to give users privacy by design and automation. But Google insists that all options are clearly labeled and designed to be clear and straightforward. Based on the company says in-depth research, guidance from regulators and testing. He told the BBC "People should be able to understand how data is generated through their use of online resources. They ought to be able to change it if they don't like it. A stock image of a phone with different Google apps is displayed BEUC members in the Czech Republic, Norway, Greece, France and Slovenia have filed GDPR complaints against Google over their data protection authorities, and groups from Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands have written to their authorities about concerns. The Federation of German Consumer Organizations has sent a warning letter to Google. Decision in months As the latest action unfolds, the BBC has been told that previous investigations by BEUC have improved. In 2018 BEUC members filed a similar complaint against Google alleging that the bully had violated General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requirements by tracking user location. The Irish Data Protection Commission was appointed as the lead authority in complaints in July 2019. The commission is the leading data protection authority of Google and many other technology companies with European headquarters in Ireland. Launched an investigation into Google use and location data collection in February 2020. Pachl stated, "We have been complaining about Google's location tracking mechanism for more than three years, but the Irish Data Protection Commission has not yet issued a decision on this case. So far Google's procedures have not changed significantly." However, Deputy Commissioner for Data Protection Graham Doyle Ireland told the BBC that "our investigation into Google and local data is well underway and we expect to send a draft resolution to our Data Protection partners in the next few months for their views".