Google and Shein Hit with Record-Breaking Fines in France Over Cookie Violations

 Turns out cookies aren’t just bad for your diet — they’re also very expensive for tech giants. France’s data watchdog, CNIL, has just slapped Google and Shein with record-breaking fines for breaking cookie laws.


 What Happened?

  • Google was fined €325 million ($379 million).

  • Shein, the fast-fashion powerhouse, was fined €150 million ($175 million).

According to CNIL, both companies installed advertising cookies on users’ devices without obtaining clear, informed, and voluntary consent.

Cookies may seem small, but they’re powerful tools that track user activity online. While they help personalize ads, they also carry big privacy risks if deployed without transparency.

Shein’s Case

Shein reportedly collected massive amounts of data from its 12 million monthly users in France, without providing adequate explanations or an easy way to withdraw consent.

  • Shein responded by saying it has updated its systems to comply with regulations.

  • The company called the fine “disproportionate” and plans to appeal.

Google’s Case

This marks the third time Google has been fined in France for cookie-related issues:

  • €100 million in 2020

  • €150 million in 2021

  • Now €325 million in 2024

Key issues:

  • Google allegedly forced users into “cookie walls” when creating accounts, making it nearly impossible to opt out.

  • Around 53 million Gmail users in France were affected when Google inserted ads directly into inboxes — considered direct advertising that requires prior consent under EU law.

CNIL gave Google six months to fix the system or face additional daily penalties of €100,000.

 Meanwhile in the U.S.

Google also lost a separate class-action lawsuit in San Francisco the same day. A jury ordered the company to pay $425 million for secretly collecting data from mobile users even after they had turned off “Web & App Activity.”

The lawsuit represents 98 million users and 174 million devices, though the jury ruled Google did not act with “malice.” Originally, plaintiffs demanded more than $31 billion.


These rulings underline the growing global crackdown on data privacy violations. Regulators are making it clear:

  • Big Tech and fast-fashion giants can’t treat fines as just the “cost of doing business.”

  • Transparency and true user consent are no longer optional.

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