Dutch Consumer Groups Sue Google Over Privacy Violations, Seek Compensation

The Dutch consumers' association Consumentenbond, together with the Privacy Protection Foundation, prosecuted Alphabet Inc GOOG GOOGL Google for alleged large-scale privacy violations.

Both groups demanded that Google stop its constant surveillance and sharing of personal data through online advertising auctions and compensate €750 ($804) in damages for every consumer who has used Google, Reuters reports.

The statement said 82,000 people had joined the claim for damages since the groups announced the action in May 2023.

Google has battled privacy violations and antitrust suits, including one by the U.S. Justice Department for maintaining a monopoly by allegedly paying over $10 billion annually to secure its position as the default search engine on web browsers and mobile devices. The lawsuit can force Alphabet to separate its search business from other products, like Android and Google Maps.

Price Action: GOOG shares traded lower by 0.18% at $135.82 premarket on the last check Wednesday.