Google France fined for collecting private data with its Street View program

U.S. Internet giant Google was fined 100,000 euros in France to collect data through its controversial Street View mapping program, said the secretary general of the National Commission for Informatics and Liberties (CNIL), Yann Padova.
As reported by the organization in a statement, the fine was imposed because the company did not respond to requests for CNIL "within the time limit."
The organization asked the finder to cease data collection and gave them a copy of all information obtained in the country. After analyzing the data, they discovered that in addition to technical data, information was collected as "data connection to websites, passwords messaging services, email addresses and exchanges of emails with sensitive information."
The browser has undertaken to cease the collection of data from their cars and remove all information collected by mistake.

Google Street View

In an interview published by Le Parisien, Yann Padova, noted that data collection by Google has made the company has "fueled a geolocation database that is now worth its weight in gold and allows you to dominate the dial."

In addition, Padova added that the fine-record in France for such a penalty, also bearing in mind that Google "did not cooperate frankly" during investigations.

The secretary general of the French body responsible for ensuring freedom in the network described the behavior of the U.S. company as "particularly serious intrusion."
Google vehicles on the streets not only capture pictures but 'aspired' "all the information passing through wireless Internet connections are not protected," which includes "personal emails, links to all sorts of web pages and even information on prescription drugs, "he said.

Private data of Street Views

For its part, the director of data protection technology company, Peter Fleischer, said in a statement sent to Efe that Google collected data "by mistake" from "wireless networks (WiFi) is not protected."
"Since we knew what was happening, we stop our cars in Street View and report immediately to the French authorities. Our aim has always been to destroy the data and we welcome the CNIL has given us permission" to do so.
The secretary general of CNIL admitted that in April 2010, Google acknowledged its error and that once the case is closed, the Internet giant will proceed to the destruction of the data obtained unlawfully.
France is not the only place that has emerged this polemic. Similar processes have emerged open in 37 U.S. states and other countries such as Spain, Germany, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand and South Korea.

Google announced that Chrome will first computers to mid-2011

The operating system of Google Chrome is delayed more than expected. The company has stressed that the first commercial computers Chrome OS will arrive during the first half of 2011 and has launched a pilot program to provide 'feedback' to users with preliminary models.
One of the features of Chrome OS is that it requires new hardware and the company does not want to sell equipment 'pre beta'. The next step to continue testing the operating system is a pilot program that will provide the "hardware reference to qualified users, developers, schools and businesses."

Google Chrome

The company will begin the program in the U.S. and other countries will expand once I get the necessary certifications. To apply for participation in the pilot program, users must visit the website of Chrome OS.
The 'netbooks' test aimed at proving the software (they are black, no marks, logos or labels.) Have 12.1 inch screens, full keyboards and touch pads, integrated access Verizon's 3G, 8 hours of battery in use and 8 days of standby.
The netbooks are designed Chrome to access the Internet instantly, easily share with friends and family and, by accessing the user name all applications, bookmarks and other navigation settings are ready, "said Google .

Netbook with Gooole Chrome

During the first half of next year the first team with Chrome will be available worldwide with Acer and Samsung. These devices will first netbooks as well, but Chrome OS is designed to operate in a wide range of display formats.

Connecticut noted that Google collects private data

The Connecticut attorney general said Tuesday that Google has informed his office that collected data on public wireless networks in the state in 2008, for its mapping service.
The official, Richard Blumenthal, said in a press conference, which will continue to press the giant Internet search to find out what he has done with the data collected for your feature called Street View.

A Google spokesman confirmed to The Associated Press that Connecticut data were collected two years ago.Blumenthal said it could give Google access to personal emails, passwords and browsing history, but has not received any reports of problems.
Last month, Google acknowledged that it had mistakenly collected data on public Wi-Fi networks in over 30 countries.
The Missouri attorney general and the authorities in Germany and Australia have opened their respective investigations.

Reprints Google had digitized texts

Google Inc. will give two million books in its digital library can reappear in the print world.

As part of an agreement announced Wednesday, Google opened part of its index to the inventor of a high speed printer that can produce a paperback book and 300 pages in less than five minutes. The new service is a recognition that not everyone wants to read his books on a computer or on a digital readout as those manufactured by Sony Corp. and Amazon.com Inc.

The fastest printer called "Espresso Book Machine" and has several years running, but may charge notoriety now has access to many books scanned from some of the largest libraries in the world. And On Demand Books, owner of Espresso, could get access to texts more difficult to achieve if Google gets court approval to the settlement of a class action that gives the right to sell print books.

"This is a key event for us," Dane said Nelle, executive director of On Demand Books, watching a demonstration of the espresso machine Wednesday at the Google headquarters in Mountain View, California.

Some of the books that Google has spent the last five years for scanning into digital format back to their origin on paper.

"It's like the circle was completed," said Google spokeswoman Jennie Johnson. "This will allow the public to get the physical copy of a book even if only one or two copies in a library in this country, or if not available here at all."