The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office has issued a press release on Google’s collection of WiFi data that was obtained by the StreetView cars as they drove round.
In what appears to be a holding statement, the ICO says that it has reviewed samples of collected data at Google premises and confirms that the samples do not include any “meaningful personal details“. Additionally, the information cannot be connected to an identified individual and it is unlikely to cause any harm.
However, the ICO confirms that collecting the information was wrong but there is nothing further in the press release to indicate if any penalties will be levied against Google. Apparently the Information Commissioner will be taking a “responsible and proportionate approach.”