The Federal Communications Commission proposed a $25,000 fine on Google, Inc. for failing to remain transparent in an investigation into whether the company violated federal rules while taking photos for its “Street View” mapping feature in 2010.
Two years ago, while Google was taking photos of houses, street intersections and other areas, it was accused of also picking up private information from home wireless networks, such as emails, passwords and Internet usage history, according to a Los Angeles Times report.
At the time Google denied any such activity, before eventually admitting in May of 2010 that, “quite simply, it was a mistake.”
The FCC launched an investigation of the illegalities, but found that Google was not responding to questions and requests for information. On Friday, April 13, FCC filed an official report stating that Google, “deliberately impeded and delayed,” the investigation for several months.
However, Google has disputed the claim saying in a prepared statement that, “We provided all the materials the regulators felt they needed to conclude their investigation and we were not found to have violated any laws.”
Meanwhile, many question the small amount of the fine.
“I think $25,000 is less than pocket change to Google, and it’s just a soft slap on the wrist for something pretty serious,” said sophomore government and politics major Nina Shallal.
Sophomore journalism major Ben Oldach agreed, calling the fine “pocket change” but said he understood Google’s reluctance to roll over and admit fault. “It has to do with ego why they are [refuting] the fine. Look at us, if we get a ticket from a cop, even if it’s $20, we still want to go to court and fight it.”
In a Los Angeles Time report, Internet analyst Ray Valdes called the $25,000 fine “surprisingly small” but noted that, “the primary impact is a symbolic impact. It’s a persistent issue, not just with Google, but with a lot of technology companies.”
“No company should have access to someone’s private emails, text messages and conversations alike,” saidsophomore psychology major Shannon Parrish, who is mostly concerned with the fact that a company this widespread is having with collecting information usage.
It remains to be seen whether Google will really be affected by this “symbolic” fine, and if they will argue its validity in court.