FCC chief ducks Google 'Wi-Spy' questions

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Julius Genachowski ducked questions on a possibly stalled investigation into a major consumer privacy breach by Google.

During a House Appropriations subcommittee hearing on Wednesday, Genachowski refused to provide an update on the investigation. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), by contrast, has already closed its probe on the issue. 

Google collected and stored data from unencrypted Wi-Fi networks in what privacy advocates consider a nearly unprecedented instance of Internet trespassing. The company has since apologized and boosted its privacy efforts. 

The lagging FCC investigation had Rep. Tom Graves (R-Ga.) looking for a status update on Wednesday. Genachowski wouldn't engage. Read the tense exchange below. 

Graves:  I want to go back to last November, when the FCC stated its investigation of Google on street view. What is the status on this?

Genachowski: You are referring to a specific investigation that is ongoing, and I cannot comment.

Graves: When do expect that investigation to conclude?

Genachowski: Again, cannot comment on the investigation.

Graves: Ok, so there could be almost 62 million emails picked up but you don’t know when you will be able to tell us about all this? Would you consider this eavesdropping?

Genachowski: I apologize, I want to answer but we cannot comment. The FCC takes privacy very seriously.

Graves: Ok, but do you consider this eavesdropping?

Genachowski: Can’t comment.

Graves: Do you think the collection of people’s information without their consent is wrong?

Genachowski: There are numerous instances that the FCC is investigating seriously. I am uncertain if it was eavesdropping.

Graves: Do you agree this was a breach of privacy? Which your own enforcement bureau, Michelle Ellison said that “the consumers affected by this breach of privacy receive a full and fair accounting?”

Genachowski: I don’t remember the full quote but yes, I agree with her.

Graves: This has gone on for a while. I would hope you move swiftly. What do you think the response would be by the American people if the federal government drove around and took pictures of neighborhoods and while doing that picked up private unencrypted WiFi messages of Americans? Do you think the American people would be mad?

Genachowski: Yes, I think they would be mad.

Graves: And do you think a response would be needed?

Genachowski: I cannot disagree with that.