Google ordered to destroy illegal data

 
Joseph Watts21 June 2013
WEST END FINAL

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Google could face criminal proceedings after the internet giant failed to destroy personal information it unlawfully collected.

The UK data watchdog today handed the US multinational an enforcement notice demanding it destroys discs containing information taken from unsecured WiFi networks.

Google admitted in 2010 amassing data, such as passwords or emails, as its

vehicles roamed residential areas to create the “Street View” mapping tool.

The Information Commissioner (ICO) ordered the firm to destroy all the information in 2010, but it

admitted last year that it “accidentally” retained four discs. Stephen Eckersley, ICO head of enforcement, said today’s notice “places a legal requirement on Google to delete the remaining payload data identified last year within the next 35 days.”

The watchdog also demanded to be told about any further Street View discs holding personal data collected in the UK.

The ICO accepted the discs were kept in “quarantine cages” and not accessed, which it said saved the

company from a financial penalty.

But not complying with today’s order will be considered contempt of court, a criminal offence.

Nick Pickles, director of privacy campaign Big Brother Watch, said Google had got away with a “slap on the wrist”.

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