Google Settles With FTC Over Privacy Violations on Buzz

Google Inc. has settled Federal Trade Commission allegations of deceptive privacy practices by its Buzz social network, including actions that violated its own privacy policy.

The proposed settlement requires Google to create a comprehensive privacy program, to be independently audited for the next 20 years. Any further privacy misrepresentations by Google will be subject to a $16,000 fine, the agency said.

The Google settlement marks the first time the FTC has ordered a company to implement a program to protect the privacy of consumers' information, which is noteworthy considering Google's position as the most trafficked site in the world.