Google has agreed to pay $17 million to settle a dispute that opposed to 38 U.S. states. An amicable agreement that puts an end to the proceedings. The case is not new and had already earned Google a record fine of $22.5 million imposed by the Federal Trade Commission.
Between 1 June 2011 until 15 February 2012, Google has ignored the parameters of Apple's Safari browser – which blocks third-party cookies by default – to install advertising tracking cookies on users devices.
These privacy settings were bypassed through the Google DoubleClick advertising and banners to place its cookies unbeknownst to Safari users.
Although the Mountain View company has agreed to pay fines for bygone practice, they have always said not collected personal information about users.
In a press release, the words of the Attorney General of the State of New York are hard. For Eric Schneiderman, "by tracking millions of people without their knowledge, Google has not only violated their privacy but also their confidence."
