French Data Regulator Proposes Landmark €525 Million Fine Against Google for Cookie Violations

The French data protection authority, Commission nationale de l’informatique et des libertés (CNIL), is proposing a €525 million fine against Google for alleged violations of French and EU rules on cookies and targeted advertising. This fine, if implemented, would be more than three times higher than CNIL’s previous record penalty of €150 million, also levied against Google in 2022. In defense of Google, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati partner Yann Padova and Hogan Lovells partner Christine Gateau are spearheading the legal efforts. The CNIL’s allegations include improper installation of cookies on users’ devices and unauthorized advertising in Gmail. Google, however, maintains that it has adjusted its products to meet regulatory concerns and disputes CNIL’s interpretation of its processes. More details about the ongoing legal proceedings and Google’s stance can be found in the original article.