Google launches privacy website ahead of new European data protection rules

New data protection rules are due to come into effect in Europe next year, and Google is highlighting the rights and obligations that are being introduced. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into force in May and Google, like other businesses, will need to comply.

While Google needs to ensure that its own products and services fulfill legal requirements, the company also points out that "customers and partners have significant obligations under these new laws." A new website serves to explain everything that you need to know, including detailing how to control how your data is used and shared.

Over on its Businesses and Data website, Google explains what the new legislation is going to mean for its customers. It highlights: "the control that businesses have over the data they share with us; the security of our infrastructure; our commitment to complying with applicable data protection laws; and the freely available resources and training we provide to help businesses get the most from their data."

The company makes a number of commitments:

• You control how your business's data is used
• We protect your business's data
• We are committed to complying with applicable data protection laws
• We help you get more out of your business's data

Google says that it will continue to comply with GDPR requirements by providing updated contractual commitments in the coming months, making a point of its focus on privacy protection.