Germany warns Google to respect data privacy

[rpm]

Google warned to respect data privacy

Germany's Foreign Minister has warned Google co-founder Larry Page to respect the nation's data protection laws in an escalating dispute over the U.S. Internet giant's "Street View" mapping program.

 

[HawkiesZA]

While I'll agree to the fact that privacy is a huge concern and that no one - not Google, Microsoft, Apple or any other company or government - should be allowed to infringe on our rights to privacy, I do think that things are a little off base here. Google acquired the information by accident over unsecured WiFi networks.

Anyone could have done that and more to the point, is it infringement of privacy if you're walking out in public and someone looks at you? No. If they stare at and follow you then yes, it's called stalking. Google has admitted their mistake and have not used the bits and pieces of information to do anything harmful, from what I recall they're quite happy to delete the data completely.

Google didn't sit outside people's houses and scan their activities, they drove past in Street View cars and got it without realising it. Enough with crucifying the innocent already.

 

[kingrob]

LOL....that's like farting against a thunder storm.

 

[Antonf]

Google ... quite happy to delete the data completely.

Google ... got it without realising it. Enough with crucifying the innocent already.

How do you know it will be deleted, TOTALLY?
An organization such as Google doesn't do checks on what will be collected and what not? I'll believe you this time, but next time I talk CR@P you'd better believe me too...

 

[PeterCH]

While I'll agree to the fact that privacy is a huge concern and that no one - not Google, Microsoft, Apple or any other company or government - should be allowed to infringe on our rights to privacy, I do think that things are a little off base here. Google acquired the information by accident over unsecured WiFi networks.

Anyone could have done that and more to the point, is it infringement of privacy if you're walking out in public and someone looks at you? No. If they stare at and follow you then yes, it's called stalking. Google has admitted their mistake and have not used the bits and pieces of information to do anything harmful, from what I recall they're quite happy to delete the data completely.

Google didn't sit outside people's houses and scan their activities, they drove past in Street View cars and got it without realising it. Enough with crucifying the innocent already.

Google are a datamining business. They do that in every possible way - in order to sell ads. Google is guilty here and if they don't start to behave they should be kicked out of the EU. Google can leave if they don't want to do business in the EU.

 

[kingrob]

Google are a datamining business. They do that in every possible way - in order to sell ads. Google is guilty here and if they don't start to behave they should be kicked out of the EU. Google can leave if they don't want to do business in the EU.

Microsoft would be delighted. Anyone for Bing?

Mind you, the EU has not been too happy with Microsoft for the past few years.....think they're still busy with a lawsuit.

 

[PeterCH]

Microsoft would be delighted. Anyone for Bing?

Mind you, the EU has not been too happy with Microsoft for the past few years.....think they're still busy with a lawsuit.

The European Commission fines everyone - European and non-European co's. It's not new.