Google Harvested Email Addresses From French Wi-Fi
Google was plunged into the spotlight again today as it was revealed that their Google Street View service was used to collect sensitive information from from unprotected wi-fi networks, including email passwords.
Google handed over data to French data protection company CNIL following an official request from the company, to help it decide whether or not to prosecute the search giant for breaching privacy laws.
Google said last week that it was “a failure of communication” and that they were “continuing to work with the relevant authorities to respond to their questions and concerns”.
CNIL is still going through all of the data and doesn’t expect to conclude its investigation until September, but in a worst case scenario Google could face criminal charges.
Google maintains that it is working with the relevant authorities and that it will delete the data in question if asked to.
A Google spokesperson said “We have reached out to the data protection authorities in the relevant countries, and are working with them to answer any questions they have.”
“Our ultimate objective is to delete the data consistent with our legal obligations and in consultation with the appropriate authorities.”
Google has now stopped collecting data from wi-fi networks, but could face prosecution from countries including Spain, Germany, Italy, Australia and Canada, while several US states are also considering legal proceedings.
Posted by Joel Rush
on Jun 21 2010. Filed under Latest News, Technology.
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