House Privacy Caucus co-chairmen concerned about access to private data

 WASHINGTON – U.S. Reps. Joe Barton, R-Texas, and Edward Markey, D-Mass., co-chairmen of the House Privacy Caucus, today wrote to Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Liebowitz about Google’s recent revelation that it gathered information sent over Wi-Fi networks.

“Thus far, Google has acknowledged it collected private e-mail and Internet surfing data, but it has not yet clarified the extent or nature of the data collected,” the lawmakers wrote. “Accordingly, we request your response to the following questions:”

“Is the Federal Trade Commission investigating this matter?

“What is the commission’s understanding of the type and nature of information collected and how is the captured data stored? Who had access to this data?

“Do Google’s data collection practices with respect to Wi-Fi networks violate the public’s reasonable expectation of privacy? Did Google collect passwords associated with Internet usage by consumers?

“Do Google’s actions form the basis of an unfair or deceptive act or practice that constitutes harm to consumers? Please explain your response.

“Are Google’s actions illegal under federal law? If these allegations warrant commission action, does the commission believe it currently has authority to take necessary action? If not, please describe legislative language you would recommend to enable the commission to act appropriately.”
 
A copy of the letter can be found here: http://markey.house.gov/docs/markey_barton_to_ftc_google_wifi.pdf

 
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