ICO criticised for stance on Google Wi-Fi scandal

Google claims to have collected the private Wi-Fi data by mistake

Privacy organisations have criticised the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) for failing to censure Google over its latest data violation, in which private Wi-Fi information was collected from homes and businesses.

Google had claimed that the information was collected by mistake in 2008, when its Street View cars were gathering photographs.

Information Commissioner Christopher Graham called on Google to delete the data, but declined to launch a further investigation despite the fact that Google's actions had breached the Data Protection Act.

Other European countries, including Germany, Spain, France, the Czech Republic and Italy, have opened up full investigations into the incident.

The European Privacy Association and Big Brother Watch said that Google's actions had shown a "disdain for privacy", and that the UK should also be investigating the amount of data Google holds about its users.

"Whether your Wi-Fi network is unencrypted or secured, anyone should be able to conduct their private affairs, be it online banking, shopping or checking email, safe in the knowledge that their personal liberty will not be compromised," said the organisations in a joint statement.

"If Google does not act in good faith and fully divulge the private information it has been accessing, a full investigation must be carried out."

Privacy International has also criticised the Information Commissioner for not taking a tougher stance, and has asked Google not to delete the data so that further investigations can take place.

The group described the guidance issued by the ICO to Google as a "collusion to destroy evidence".