Police looking into Google Street View

The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) is considering a complaint from a privacy campaign group about how data was collected when Google was constructing its Steet View service in the UK.

After Google admitted it had collected information being sent over public Wi-Fi networks in May, the company has faced investigations in several countries including France and Germany.

Privacy International (PI), a long-time critic of Street View, complained to the MPS that Google had broken the law by intercepting traffic being sent over Wi-Fi networks. According to French investigators, this traffic included some password information and emails.

"The MPS has received a complaint regarding alleged access to online activities broadcast over unprotected home and business Wi-Fi networks," a spokesman told Web User.

"The matter is now under consideration. It has yet to be determined what, if any, offences may have allegedly occurred," he continued.

The MPS spokesman said that if an inquiry were to take place, it has yet to be determined which part of the MPS would deal with it.

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), the UK's privacy watchdog, previously said that it wouldn't launch an investigation into Street View unless it could be proven that an offence had been committed.

Simon Davies, PI's director said: "We are pleased that the police have taken up this complaint for investigation. An evidence-based approach to this complex matter is sorely needed now."

"We hope that this difficult process will give Google pause for thought about how it conducts itself. Perhaps in future the company will rely less on PR spin and more on good governance and reliable product oversight," Davies continued.

Google reiterated its regret over the matter, insisting that it had been a "mistake" and that it would cooperate with any enquiries.

A Google spokesman said: "It was a mistake for us to include code in our software that collected payload data.

"We're working with the relevant authorities to answer any questions and concerns they have. Our ultimate objective is to delete the data consistent with our legal obligations and in consultation with the appropriate authorities," the spokesman continued.