States exploring joint investigation of Google in Wi-Fi data collection matter

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Google’s legal troubles over the inadvertent collection of private information from unsecured wireless networks by its Street View vehicles are mounting.

Attorneys general from some 30 states are now investigating whether Google violated any laws when it collected the information while taking pictures for its service.

Connecticut’s top prosecutor, Richard Blumenthal, one of two attorneys general officially investigating Google, got the ball rolling by holding a conference call last Thursday to discuss Google and privacy and to explore joining forces, a person familiar with the situation said.

This does not necessarily mean the attorneys general will pursue a consolidated multi-state action, but it could spell more trouble for Google.

‘This was a mistake, but we believe we did nothing illegal,’ a Google spokeswoman said. ‘We’re continuing to work with the relevant authorities to answer their questions and concerns.’

-- Jessica Guynn