Slashdot Mirror


Australian Police To Investigate Google Over Wi-Fi Scanning

daria42 writes "Those who thought the brouhaha over Google's scanning of Wi-Fi networks by its Street View cars was over (whether you believe it was deliberate or not) are destined to be disappointed. News comes from Australia over the weekend that the Australian government has referred the matter to the Australian Federal Police for investigation. The country's Attorney General, Robert McClelland, was quoted saying, 'Obviously I won't pre-empt the outcome of that investigation but they relate in substantial part to possible breaches of the Telecommunications Interception Act, which prevents people accessing electronic information other than for authorized purposes.'"

1 of 117 comments (clear)

  1. Re:In other news.. by victorhooi · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    heya,

    You're an idiot.

    That applies to recording telephone conversations.

    If two people are in a public place, and I put an omnidirectional microphone down and happen to record them, I doubt I can be charged with anything really.

    Heck, if I sit down on a bench and start dictating notes into my DVR (Digital Voice Recorder), and I happen to catch the people on the bench next to me talking about State of Origin, do you really think they're going to turn around and sue me?

    Please. Even somebody eavesdropping on your conversation in a public place, at worst, you can say, "Oi, that's a bit rude mate!", and just walk a bit further away. I'm not exactly sure how you'd go about actually suing them for anything.

    Cheers,
    Victor