WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee and former chairman of the Communications, Technology and the Internet Subcommittee, issued the following statement in response to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decision and fine regarding Google's Street View privacy breach

"Google's Street View cars drove right over consumers' personal privacy while cruising city streets and neighborhoods. Consumers saw their Wi-Fi morph into 'Spy-Fi'. The FCC was correct to fine Google for this breach and to cite the company's recalcitrance in providing timely and comprehensive information in support of the Commission's investigation. However, I am concerned that more needs to be done to fully investigate the company's understanding of what happened when consumer data was collected without their knowledge or permission. This fine is a mere slap on the wrist for Google. Coupled with the company's recent changes to its privacy policy, it seems as if Google is making a U-turn in its commitment to protect consumer privacy as embodied in its settlement with the FTC.  As Congress continues our discussion of ensuring online privacy for consumers, especially for children and teens, I will continue to actively monitor this situation, which can help to inform policy moving forward.”

In May 2010, Reps. Markey, Henry A. Waxman (D-Calif.) and Joe Barton (R-Texas) wrote to Google then-Chairman and CEO Eric Schmidt seeking answers to the company’s collection of private information over Wi-Fi networks.

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