Google fires back at FCC on Wi-Fi investigation

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - April 26, 2012 (WPVI) -- Google is firing back at the Federal Communications Commission on an investigation that led to a $25,000 fine against the Internet search leader.

In a letter sent Thursday, Google Inc. disputed the reason for the fine. The FCC contends Google impeded an agency investigation into whether the company had violated U.S. laws by collecting personal information transmitted over unsecured Wi-Fi networks while photographing neighborhoods from 2007 to 2010 for the Street View feature on its mapping service.

Google blames the FCC for dragging out an investigation that lasted 17 months. In its letter, Google said it regularly responded to the FCC's requests, but sometimes didn't hear back from the agency for seven to 12 weeks.

Despite its misgivings, Google says it decided to pay the fine to close the case.

Get more Business/Finance »

fcc, google, business/finance

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•