Google Street View Blocked Again
The Czech Office for Personal Data Protection turned down Google's application to collect personal data for its Street View service. Street View is controversial mapping tool that has allowed Google to capture Wi-Fi signals in addition to street level imagery in thirty countries over a three-year period. Google obtained Wi-Fi data, including email passwords and content, from receivers that were concealed in the Street View vehicles. Many countries and several US states are currently investigating Google Street View. In May, EPIC urged the Federal Communications Commission to open an investigation into Street View, as Google’s practices appear to violate U.S. federal wiretap laws as well as the U.S. Communications Act. For more information, see EPIC: Google Street View.