Two weeks ago, after being questioned by German authorities, Google admitted to invading people’s privacy in at least 30 countries for the past three years.
While Google was busy photographing everyone’s homes for its “Street View” project, it was also recording fragments of people’s online activities that were being broadcast over accessible WiFi networks. Six hundred gigabytes of data were collected.
Initially, Google admitted only to scooping up WiFi network names and MAC addresses, but later said it also grabbed a lot more information.
Google said it was an accident, they haven’t used any of the information collected, and it will be happy to delete the information. This brings to mind the old saying: it’s easier to ask forgiveness than permission.
So far, at least seven countries are investigating and deciding whether to lay charges.
New York Times article. AFP article. There are many more links to be found. A more-detailed CNET article makes the interesting observation:
Those who follow the Internet industry have been noticing a troubling trend over the past several years: one in which Internet companies push the boundaries of user privacy and data collection and apologize once they’re found out or the backlash can’t be ignored, only to start pushing once again after the hubbub dies down.
What does this have to do with running a photography business?
Photographers should remember that they’re legally required to safeguard their clients’ privacy and personal information. Photographers must also disclose their privacy policy.
––
Update: October 19, 2010: The Canadian government concluded that Google did indeed violate Canada’s privacy laws but apparently, no fines or charges will be laid.
Update: March 22, 2011: France issued a €100,000 fine against Google.
Update: July 27, 2012: After being caught spying on people in various countries, Google said it would delete the ill-gotten data. But now, two years later, Google admits it forgot to delete the data.
