News Summary: France may fine Google on privacy

'FESS UP OR PAY: France is giving Google three months to be more upfront about the data it collects from users or face a fine of about $400,000. It says five other European countries aren't far behind with penalties.

THE BIG PICTURE: Google must decide whether the relatively small fines are enough of an incentive to rethink its privacy rules. The company has no serious competition in Europe, but it does have a reputation problem when it comes to protecting user privacy.

CHANGES: French regulators want Google to tell users what it is using personal data for and how long it's held, and let users opt out of having their data centralized.