General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) , Standards, Regulations & Compliance

Microsoft Revises Bing Cookie Policy in France

Computing Giant Avoids 60,000-Euro Daily Fines From French Privacy Regulator
Microsoft Revises Bing Cookie Policy in France
Microsoft Ireland executives can enjoy this view of the Eiffel Tower in Paris without having to worry about 60,000 euro daily fines from the French data protection authority. (Image: Shutterstock)

Microsoft Ireland revised its cookie policy for the Bing search engine in France after it received a reprimand from the country's data protection agency for privacy violations.

See Also: RSAC 2024 Call for Submissions Trends Report

France's National Commission on Informatics and Liberty - known as CNIL - in December imposed a fine of 60 million euros against the company for misleading cookie policies that it said made it difficult for Bing users to decline data collection. The agency said at the time that this feature violated the consent requirement under the French privacy law (see: France Fines Microsoft Ireland 60M Euros Over Bing Cookies).

CNIL gave the company three months to bring its cookie policy into compliance or face additional fines of 60,000 euros for each additional day. Specifically, Microsoft needed to obtain French Bing users' consent to enable cookies used to combat advertising fraud.

On Friday, the regulator said Microsoft Ireland has adhered to its mandate with an updated cookie policy.

"It appears from the response provided by the company on March 10 that it has made technical changes to ensure that the cookies placed on 'bing. com' in France," the agency said. "The committee notes that the company indicates that it has implemented these changes since February 24, 2023."


About the Author

Akshaya Asokan

Akshaya Asokan

Senior Correspondent, ISMG

Asokan is a U.K.-based senior correspondent for Information Security Media Group's global news desk. She previously worked with IDG and other publications, reporting on developments in technology, minority rights and education.




Around the Network

Our website uses cookies. Cookies enable us to provide the best experience possible and help us understand how visitors use our website. By browsing bankinfosecurity.com, you agree to our use of cookies.