Observed Signal · May 7, 2021 · Regulation · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Google GDPR Violation: €6B Fine?
Max Schrems and the NOYB European rights group have filed complaints alleging Google continues to transfer EU user data to the United States in violation of the GDPR. The case cites Schrems I and Schrems II, which restrict EU data transfers to US-based entities in light of US surveillance laws such as FISA. NOYB argues that data transfers, including Google Analytics, fall under these rules. The Austrian Data Protection Authority (DSB) could impose a fine of up to 4% of Google LLC’s worldwide revenue, potentially around €6 billion, for the alleged breach; the complaint targets Google LLC rather than its EU subsidiary Google Ireland Ltd. Google has contested the claims, pointing to security measures and contending that US law does not undermine GDPR protections. No decision has yet been made. If upheld, the outcome would strengthen EU privacy enforcement and could reshape cross-border data transfers for major tech platforms.
Regulatory risk and potential €6B penalty for GDPR violations could have wide-reaching implications for EU data transfers and AdTech privacy regimes.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Max Schrems and NOYB filed complaints against Google regarding data transfers to the US.
- EU Court of Justice rulings Schrems I and Schrems II restrict EU data transfers to US-based entities under US surveillance laws like FISA.
- Austrian Data Protection Authority (DSB) could impose up to 4% of Google's worldwide revenue as a GDPR penalty, potentially around €6 billion.
- The complaint targets Google LLC, not the European unit Google Ireland Ltd.
- Google defends the claims, citing security measures and arguing that US laws do not compromise GDPR protections; no decision yet.
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