EU Cracks Down on Google Over Privacy

Today, CNET.com reported that EU regulators are demanding Google make changes to its privacy policy.  In particular, the French Commission Nationale de l'Informatique et des Libertes (CNIL) has cited Google's  lack of commitment "to the principles of the European Data Protection Directive, which governs the rules of data transfer and storage across the 27 European member states."  Google has been given a few months to comply with the CNIL's recommendations which include creating a clearer divide between data collected for service improvements and advertising.  Specifically, CNIL wants Google to strengthen the consent required to combine the two forms of data.  The organization also recommended a central opt-out and clarification on how long it retains customer data.  The EU's reaction to Google's March 1 policy change is representative of the concern of many Google users who fear too much of their personal information will be given to data hungry advertisers.  It will be interesting to see if US regulators take a closer look at Google's policies due to the EU's response.