The Connecticut Attorney General’s Office is considering filing suit against Google, after Google failed to meet a deadline for turning over data it collected with its street view cameras on Friday.
Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal stated today, “I am disappointed by Google"s failure to comply with my information demands. We will review any information we receive and consider whether additional enforcement steps -- including possible legal action -- are warranted.”
Earlier this year Google Street View cars were accidently collecting data sent over unencrypted wireless networks. These vehicles traveled the roads taking street level photos for Google maps. Wi-Fi was used to help pinpoint a vehicles location, but these cars also collected data transmitted over unsecured wireless networks at the same time.
Computerworld reports, Google has not yet explained why it hasn"t complied with request, but that they are “profoundly sorry” for collecting any data transmitted over any network. Google also wants “to delete the data as soon as possible and will continue to work with the authorities to determine the best way forward, as well as to answer their further questions and concerns.”
On December 10th the attorney general’s office subpoenaed Google to turn over the data it collected. The office explained they want to verify what information Google has “surreptitiously and wrongfully” collected. The office wants to use this information to help determine if any privacy laws were broken, as the goes on to state, “Reviewing this information is vital because Google"s story changed, first claiming only fragments were collected, then acknowledging entire emails. Verifying Google"s data snare is crucial to assessing a penalty and assuring no repeat”.
Other states including Illinois, Washington, D.C, California, and Florida have already filed suites or begun investigations into the wireless data Google acquired. Globally, Canada, Germany, Spain, France, South Korea, Australia, and the UK have also begun procedures for similar privacy investigations.