IT industry news: Google to delete Wi-Fi data

11:52 22nd November 2010

Internet search company Google is to erase all data that its Street View cars gathered on unsecured Wi-Fi networks across the UK.

David Smith, deputy information commissioner, told the BBC that the search company would be deleting the data it had inadvertently collected earlier this year "as soon as possible".

Those considering networking courses will be aware that earlier this month the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) decided it would not fine Google for breaching data security laws, much to the ire of digital privacy campaigners.

Mr Smith said that although the company had not acted within the law there was no reason to believe any information that was obtained "had fallen into the wrong hands".

Google's Street View mapping system has also received heavy criticism from Canadian authorities and the company is also facing opposition to the launch of the service in Germany.

The California-based company recently signed an agreement with the ICO giving it permission to audit Google's internal privacy structure, privacy training programs and its system of privacy reviews for new products.

Christopher Graham, the information commissioner, said: "I am very pleased to have a firm commitment from Google to work with my office to improve its handling of personal information."

Posted by Hannah James

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