The fallout from Google’s data-collection practices continues. While snapping photos for its Street View service, the company also collected personal information from unsecured wireless networks. French regulators, who were the first to inspect the data, released their findings: “The recording of such data could put Google in possession of data such as visited Web sites, the content of exchanged messages or even passwords.”
In the U.S., attorneys general from about 30 states are deciding whether to pursue joint action against the data giant. “Violating legitimate expectations of privacy on the part of both homeowners and business people is an extraordinarily serious issue, and we want all the facts as quickly as possible,” Connecticut attorney general Richard Blumenthal told The New York Times. For its part, Google acknowledges making a mistake, but denies doing anything illegal. In a statement emailed to the San Francisco Chronicle, the company said: “Our ultimate objective is to delete the data consistent with our legal obligations and in consultation with the appropriate authorities.” Link to full stories in The New York Times and the San Francisco Chronicle.
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