Google are currently under the microscope; this is because Richard Lloyd has made a legal claim against Google in relation to the ‘Safari Workaround’.
The Safari Workaround allowed Google to bypass default privacy settings in iPhones, allowing Google to track browser-generated information to sell for advertising purposes.
The facts of the case are as follows:
“The respondent (Lloyd) has issued a claim alleging that the appellant (‘Google’) has breached its duties as a data controller under the DPA to over 4m Apple iPhone users during a period of some months in 2011- 2012, when Google was able to collect and use their browser generated information. The respondent sued on his own behalf and on behalf of a class of other residents in England and Wales whose data was collected in this way. He applied for permission to serve the claim out of the jurisdiction. Google opposed the application on the grounds that (i) the pleaded facts did not disclose any basis for claiming compensation under the DPA and (ii) the court should not in any event permit the claim to continue as a representative action.“
The on-going legal battle has highlighted the importance of GDPR and Cookie policies on the internet.
Meaning that if you’re a business owner, this is case is something you should be aware of and comply accordingly.
As a business owner, you are responsible for the data that you collect, store, and use when your website is visited.
Your website should have a Privacy Policy and a Cookie Policy which explains what details are collected and where they are stored.
Users should have the option to accept or decline your Cookie Policy when entering your website.
The Cookie Policy should also contain information on how users can opt out of cookies or change their cookie settings.
You must check that you are compliant with the current GDPR/DPA 2018 guidelines.
A Cookie Policy deals with the use of cookies on your site, where as a Privacy Policy is a general document regarding all the data processes on your website.
Privacy and Cookie policies are mandatory, if you do not have one of the policies on your website you can refer directly to the ICO to amend this.
If this is something you are struggling with, or if further information is required, here at Social+, we can help ensure that your website is fully compliant with these guidelines.
We offer website maintenance as part of our services and would be more than happy to take you through the requirements step by step.
If this is something that you would want to hear more about give us a call on 0191 466 1050 or email us on hello@social-plus.media.
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