The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Trade Commission to stop Google’s (News - Alert) planned privacy changes, according to recent news reports.

EPIC – a watchdog group for consumers – has filed a complaint in court and wants a federal judge to grant a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction in the case.

“The planned revisions would enable Google … to bundle the personal information gathered by its Internet search engine and other services, such as Gmail, YouTube (News - Alert) and Plus, so the company can gain a better understanding of its users and potentially sell more advertising,” EPIC claims. On March 1, Google also wants to be able to “combine user data without user consent,” EPIC alleged in a statement.

However, Google claims the changes would improve privacy policies so they would be easier to understand and give needed information to users.

EPIC, on the other hand, says the planned changes by Google would break “restrictions imposed in an agreement reached with the FTC (News - Alert) last year.” Google plans to “consolidate users’ personal information across more than 60 Google services” – which would violate a consent order with the FTC, EPIC alleges. In addition, EPIC says that the new privacy rules need consent from users before going into effect, adding that the changes are an "unfair and deceptive business practices." The FTC has the authority to prevent Google from making the privacy changes, EPIC claims.

Google, according to The Associated Press, has explained the privacy changes to both the FTC and to its users. The AP adds that the changes were announced two weeks ago.

In addition, Google disagrees with EIPC’s comments and claims. "We take privacy very seriously. We're happy to engage in constructive conversations about our updated privacy policy, but EPIC is wrong on the facts and the law," according to a Google statement which was carried on TMCnet.

Meanwhile, the FTC said in a statement that it "takes compliance with our consent orders very seriously and always looks carefully at any evidence that they are being violated," The AP quoted the commission’s statement.

EPIC claims in its court papers Google will have an “imminent violation” of an Oct. 13, 2011, consent order, which prevents Google from “misrepresenting the company’s privacy practices, requires the company to obtain users’ consent before disclosing personal data, and requires the company to develop and comply with a comprehensive privacy program.” The FTC consent order is a result of a complaint filed by EPIC on Feb. 6, 2010.

In addition, The AP reports that government regulators in Europe also requested Google delay planned changes in privacy policies.