Google’s chief privacy officer, Keith Enright, has announced his departure from the company after 13 years of service. Enright, who was responsible for protecting user data and implementing security policies across Google, will reportedly leave in September. In a statement on LinkedIn, Enright expressed his readiness for a change and his excitement about trying something new.
Enright’s departure came as a shock to Google employees when they first learned of it in mid-May. Forbes, which initially reported on the move, described Enright as a well-liked figure within the company. News of his exit has raised concerns about the future of user privacy and security at Google.
Google has stated that Enright’s departure is part of a broader restructuring effort at the company. Privacy responsibilities will now be shifted to individual product teams. A spokesperson for Google explained that this restructuring is aimed at increasing the number of people working on regulatory compliance throughout the company.
The timing of Enright’s departure is particularly significant as Google has recently faced a series of leaks and privacy breaches. Internal documents obtained by 404 Media revealed privacy breaches that occurred between 2013 and 2018, including the improper collection of children’s voice data and recorded license plate numbers. Google assured that these incidents had been resolved and the data purged.
Another leak involved approximately 2,500 documents related to Google’s search algorithm. Some of these documents contained information that contradicted the company’s previous statements about search rankings. While Google confirmed the authenticity of the leak, they emphasized that the documents lacked context.
These recent privacy concerns add to Google’s track record of facing legal issues related to user data. In 2018, the company settled a $5 billion lawsuit over allegations of improperly tracking personal data through its Chrome browser’s incognito mode.
Enright’s tenure as chief privacy officer began in 2018, during which he and representatives from other tech giants testified before the Senate Commerce Committee regarding their efforts to protect users’ privacy. Enright acknowledged past mistakes made by Google and highlighted the company’s commitment to improving its privacy program.
With Enright’s departure, there are concerns about the future of user privacy at Google. However, the company’s restructuring efforts and increased focus on regulatory compliance may help address these concerns. As Google continues to evolve its privacy practices, it will be crucial for the company to regain the trust of its users by prioritizing data security and transparency.
