📍 Unlawful GPS Tracking
Foodinho, a Glovo-owned app, has been fined $5.2M by Italy’s privacy authority. The watchdog found the app illegally tracked over 35,000 riders using GPS, even when they weren’t working. This breach extended through August 2023, with geolocation data shared with third parties without riders’ consent. The company has been ordered to make its GPS feature optional during off-hours and ensure transparency in messaging riders about tracking practices.
🖼️ Misuse of Biometric Data
Another significant violation was Foodinho’s use of riders’ biometric data for identity verification. Practices such as facial recognition were deemed unlawful. The watchdog has now banned Foodinho from using biometric data altogether. This measure aims to protect workers' privacy, ensuring their personal data is used only with explicit permission and within the scope of their employment.
📉 A History of Privacy Breaches
This isn’t Foodinho’s first run-in with Italy’s privacy authority. Back in 2021, it was fined $3M for similar issues, including algorithmic mismanagement and improper data handling. At that time, the app had 19,000 registered riders. Despite the earlier penalties, Foodinho appears to have continued breaching privacy laws, signaling poor compliance and oversight in its data management practices.
🔄 Orders for Immediate Changes
The latest fine highlights stricter enforcement of EU privacy laws. Foodinho must overhaul its app to comply with regulations, such as ensuring riders can disable GPS tracking when off-duty. These changes aim to restore trust among workers and protect sensitive data. Glovo, Foodinho’s parent company, is under pressure to prioritize data protection as regulatory scrutiny intensifies across the EU.
Will Foodinho fix its privacy practices?
