Google investigation referred back to Privacy Comm

Google Street View investigation referred back to Privacy Commissioner.

2 September, 2010 - 11:08

Police has referred the matter of data collection from Wi-Fi networks by Google Street View back to the office of the Privacy Commissioner.

The Privacy Commissioner formally referred the matter to Police in June following concerns over Google obtaining unencrypted Wi-Fi data while collecting panoramic digital images for its Street View service.

An investigation by Police has determined that there is no evidence to suggest a criminal offence has been committed.

Police has now handed the matter back to the Privacy Commissioner for further consideration.

Detective Senior Sergeant John van den Heuvel of the Police National Cyber Crime Centre says the matter is a timely reminder about Wi-Fi security:

"Anyone using Wi-Fi needs to ensure they have appropriate security measures in place. People should not underestimate the risk that information they broadcast might be accessed by others, either inadvertently or for more sinister purposes."

ENDS