Several other countries are investigating Google over the data collection, and there are growing concerns from regulators and consumer watchdogs worldwide that Google isn't serious enough about people's privacy. -- PHOTO: AFPSYDNEY - GOOGLE broke Australia's privacy law when it collected private information from wireless networks, the country's privacy commissioner said on Friday, following an investigation into the Internet giant's 'Street View' mapping service.
Several other countries are investigating Google over the data collection, and there are growing concerns from regulators and consumer watchdogs worldwide that Google isn't serious enough about people's privacy - a charge the company denies.
In May, Google acknowledged it had mistakenly collected fragments of data over public Wi-Fi networks in more than 30 countries while it was taking pictures of neighborhoods for the Street View feature.
Google said it discovered the problem after German regulators launched an inquiry.
At the time, Australia's Communications Minister Stephen Conroy dubbed it the 'single greatest breach in the history of privacy.' On Friday, Privacy Commissioner Karen Curtis said her investigation was complete and she had determined Google breached the nation's Privacy Act.
She said the company has promised to conduct a privacy impact assessment on any new Street View projects involving personal information and regularly consult with her about personal data collection activities in Australia. Ms Curtis said Google had also agreed to publish an apology to Australians on its official blog - which it did. -- AP
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