Eranet News on January 16th,2014.As reported, Google said Wednesday it had appealed a decision by France's data protection watchdog to fine the US giant 150,000 euros ($204,000) the maximum possible for failing to comply with its privacy guidelines.

The fine last week, though tiny for a group that made $15 billion in one quarter last year, is the regulator's biggest ever and follows in the wake of other European nations cracking down on Google's increasingly controversial privacy polices.

The CNIL had asked Google to inform web users in France how it processes their personal data and to define exactly how long they can store the information.

It had also requested that the US giant obtain user permission before storing cookies on their computers, referring to files that track web surfing unbeknownst to the user.

Google has always maintained that its treatment of data gathered from users is in line with European law and has defended the changes it made on the grounds that they simplify and standardise its approach across its various services.

But critics argue that the policy, which offers no ability to opt out aside from refraining from signing into Google services, gives it unprecedented ability to monitor its users' tastes and purchasing patterns.

Last month, Spain's data protection watchdog ordered Google to pay a 900,000-euro fine for "serious violations" of users' privacy.

This source from Internet.