Google in police inquiry over StreetView data privacy claim

The Met is looking into a privacy complaint against Google which claims it picked up data from home wi-fi networks with its StreetView camera cars.

Rights group Privacy International brought the complaint against the web search giant claiming it violated acts on collecting communications.

Britain follows France, Australia and Germany with the investigation into Google, and this week the US Federal Trade Commission began an informal inquiry.

Google says that collecting the data was a mistake, but admitted last month that its cars photographing streets around the world have for years accidentally collected personal data over wireless networks.

"We are working with the relevant authorities to answer their questions and concerns," a spokeswoman said.

Privacy International said the police inquiry could take eight to 10 days. The Met could not be reached for comment.