UK Slaps Google’s Wrist Over Street View Data Collection

Following the lead of both the U.S. and Canadian governments, the UK government has decided against fining Google for its collection of personal data over unencrypted WiFi networks as part of the Street View photography service. According to the BBC, UK Information Commissioner Christopher Graham has ruled that Google committed a “significant breach” of UK […]

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Following the lead of both the U.S. and Canadian governments, the UK government has decided against fining Google for its collection of personal data over unencrypted WiFi networks as part of the Street View photography service. According to the BBC, UK Information Commissioner Christopher Graham has ruled that Google committed a “significant breach” of UK laws, but Google won’t face fines or any form of punishment.

Just last week there was speculation that Graham would use his authority to fine Google up to £500,000. Instead, the UK government has told Google to delete the personal as soon as it’s legal to do so, and said will conduct an audit of Google’s data protection practices.

While many countries are still investigating the data collection incident, both the Canadian and U.S. governments have elected not to levy fines.

Google has apologized and reiterated on several occasions that it collected the personal information inadvertently.


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About the author

Matt McGee
Contributor
Matt McGee joined Third Door Media as a writer/reporter/editor in September 2008. He served as Editor-In-Chief from January 2013 until his departure in July 2017. He can be found on Twitter at @MattMcGee.

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