Belgium Launches Investigation Of Google WiFi Data Collection

While some countries have already completed their investigations, Belgium is just now launching a probe into Google’s collection of Wifi data over unsecured WiFi networks.

According to the Flemish newspaper De Morgen, Belgian data protection officials believe Google is guilty of a “flagrant violation of privacy protection laws.” A Bloomberg report says the Belgian privacy committee passed its findings to government prosecutors because the committee doesn’t have the power to fine Google.

Google has previously admitted that its Street View cars accidentally collected personal data via unencrypted WiFi networks. Google says it’s working with Belgian authorities on the matter, and reiterated that the data was never looked at or used in any product or service.

Dozens of countries have investigated Google’s WiFi data collection and many have found that the company violated local laws. But France is the only country to penalize Google; it issued a 100,000 Euro fine last month.