States probe Google’s data gathering

— Google Inc. has been asked for “detailed information” about its collection of data from wireless computer networks in Massachusetts and Illinois, said the latter state’s attorney general.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan said last week in a statement she and Massachusetts counterpart Martha Coakley sent a joint letter to Google on June 9 seeking an accounting of what data it has collected and what Google plans to do with that information.

Google last month acknowledged that it had gathered data from open wireless networks while it was capturing images of streets and houses for its Street View service, a product that lets Webusers see 360-degree images of neighborhoods.

While doing so, Madigan said, Google’s vehicles collected “payload data” including emails, passwords and browsing activity from unguarded wireless fidelity systems.

Google said it’s continuing to work with the relevant authorities to answer their questions and concerns. “This was a mistake, but we don’t believe we did anything illegal,” Google said in an emailed statement.

Madigan said it’s “disturbing” that Google has been collecting this data since 2007.

“We have asked Google to explain in detail exactly what information it has collected and what it is doing with the information,” she said.

Business, Pages 22 on 06/21/2010

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