Google revs up the Street View cars once again

12/07/2010

Google revs up the Street View cars once again

The Inquirer brings the news that Google has revved up its fleet of Street View cars again - now, supposedly without the ability to steal WiFi data:

Google says that it has removed the offending WiFi data collection equipment from the cars and got an independent security firm to confirm that any WiFi related software was also removed. The company now maintains that its fleet of vehicles will no longer suck up WiFi data.

Let's hope that that's right. Moreover:

Last week Google was found to have broken Australian federal law through its collection of WiFi payload data. Though it received a limp slap on the wrist by the Australian Privacy Commissioner, the decision left the door wide open for further litigation. It also emerged that in the US, Google might have collected data from US Congress members who were involved in national security issues.
While Google might have mended its ways, removing the offending equipment might not be enough to save the outfit from more litigation, government investigations and penalites around the world.

Meanwhile, our own Metropolitan Police are investigating Google here in the UK.

An event discussing this case and Google, Street View and privacy more generally will take place at Big Brother Watch's offices in Westminster at 6pm on 20 July - speakers include

Robert Halfon MP, who put down a recent Early Day Motion about Google Street View
Simon Davies (Privacy International) who will explain why he lodged the complaint with the Metropolitan Police that has lead to the current criminal investigation into Google
Paolo Balboni (European Privacy Association) who will set out the wider situation
Alex Deane (Big Brother Watch) – chairing the event
Sarah Hunter (UK Public Policy, Google) who will attend to respond to questions and convey views expressed back to Google

If you would like to attend please contact us.

By Alex Deane