New Delhi:
Google is facing renewed scrutiny from regulators, lawmakers, and privacy advocates after a series of leaked internal documents reportedly exposed questionable data practices and internal discussions around user privacy, advertising tactics, and algorithmic influence.
According to sources familiar with the leak, the documents—spanning several years—offer a rare glimpse into how the tech giant manages user data, prioritizes advertising revenue, and handles internal dissent related to privacy and AI ethics. The revelations have sparked calls for greater transparency and accountability from one of the world’s most powerful tech companies.
While the authenticity of the documents is still being independently verified, early reviews suggest that Google may have been aware of potential privacy loopholes in its ad systems that could allow third-party partners to access limited user data without explicit consent. Critics say this could violate existing data protection norms under laws like the EU’s GDPR and California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
A Google spokesperson, in response to media queries, said that the company “takes user privacy extremely seriously” and that the documents “are being taken out of context.” The spokesperson added, “We continuously update our systems and policies to ensure compliance with global regulations and to protect our users’ trust.”
However, privacy advocates argue that the incident underscores a larger pattern of opaque data handling practices among major tech firms. “This isn’t just about one leak — it’s about a culture of secrecy,” said one digital rights expert. “Users deserve to know exactly how their data is used and monetized.”
Regulators in the United States and Europe are reportedly monitoring the situation closely, with some officials suggesting that this could lead to renewed antitrust or privacy investigations against Google.
As the tech giant works to contain the fallout, the incident has reignited a broader public debate about how much control big technology companies should have over the digital lives of billions of users worldwide.
