Google “almost certain” to face criminal prosecution
According to Privacy International, search engine Google is “almost certain” to face legal action for collecting information form unsecured wi-fi networks.
Google claims that the “rogue code” was included in their Streetview software by accident and have released an independent audit that PI believe proves “criminal intent”.
“The independent audit of the Google system shows that the system used for the wi-fi collection intentionally separated out unencrypted content (payload data) of communications and systematically wrote this data to hard drives.
This is equivalent to placing a hard tap and a digital recorder onto a phone wire without consent or authorisation,”
PI are intent on taking the case to the police, while the ICO say they’re still reviewing the audit, but have no plans to pursue legal action at this time. The Germans however, are “almost certain to prosecute” according to Simon Davies, head of PI.
“The Germans are almost certain to prosecute. Because there was intent, they have no choice but to prosecute,” said Simon Davies, head of PI.
Asked whether the ICO will follow the German’s lead, Davies added: “I don’t see any alternative but for us to go to Scotland Yard.”
Google insists the code was part of an experimental project by a still unnamed engineer that was never intended to be included in the Streetview software.
“As we have said before, this was a mistake. The report today confirms that Google did indeed collect and store payload data from unencrypted wi-fi networks, but not from networks that were encrypted. We are continuing to work with the relevant authorities to respond to their questions and concerns. This was a failure of communication between and within teams,” said a Google spokesman.
PI doesn’t accept Google’s view.
“The idea that this was the work of a lone engineer doesn’t add up. This is complex code and it must have been given a budget and been overseen. Google has asserted that all its projects are rigorously checked. It goes to the heart of a systematic failure of management and of duty of care,” said Mr. Davies.
Posted by Joel Rush
on Jun 10 2010. Filed under Business, Latest News, Technology.
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