Google continues to come under fire for privacy issues.

• Position: PRIVACY

Google's privacy policy came under fire in 2010 when it was discovered that the cars Google was using to map streets for its Street View project were also capturing sensitive personal information, including e-mails, URLs, and passwords--referred to as "payload data"--from wireless home networks.

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At first, Google said it did not collect or store this information. Weeks later, the company admitted that it had been "mistakenly collecting samples of payload data." And, as more details became known, many of them contradicted earlier statements by Google.

When the U.S. Federal Trade Commission initially investigated the matter, it accepted Google's explanation that it was "mortified by what happened" and would impose internal controls. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launched its own inquiry to determine whether Google had violated provisions of the communications Act.

Although clearly frustrated with Google's level of cooperation during the investigation, the FCC did not find that Google had violated any laws. But, the agency did fine Google $25,000 for impeding the inquiry by not responding to requests for material information and documents.

Gathering Internet payload data without authorization may not be illegal in the United States, but it is in Europe--where the Street View issue first emerged--according to Jacob Kohnstamm...