Google cleared of spying in New Zealand

AUCKLAND - Internet giant Google has been cleared of gathering personal wireless internet data during its street view operation in New Zealand.

New Zealand police Thursday said they have found no evidence that Google committed a criminal offence, the New Zealand Herald reported.

Police have, however, referred the matter back to the Privacy Commission, which in June had asked police to investigate after concerns were raised that Google had collected unencrypted Wi-Fi data while photographing streets with 3D cameras for its street view mapping service.

Google later admitted collecting public Wi-Fi data in more than 30 countries, though it did not disclose what kind of information had been collected. The company said it had “locked-down” the information while the matter was being investigated.

Detective Senior Sergeant John van den Heuvel, of New Zealand’s national cyber crime centre, said there was no evidence to suggest Google had committed a criminal offence.

The matter was a timely reminder about Wi-Fi security, he said.

“Anyone using Wi-Fi needs to ensure they have appropriate security measures in place.”